"Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal, and independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community..."
— John Locke, Second Treatise of Government, 1689
Which of the following principles of the Enlightenment is most directly expressed in the passage?
- AThe establishment of state-controlled mercantilist economies to increase national wealth
- BThe revolutionary overthrow of capitalism to create a classless society
- The idea that legitimate political authority is based on the consent of the governedAnswer
- DThe scientific application of Social Darwinism to justify racial hierarchies
Answer
The idea that legitimate political authority is based on the consent of the governed
The correct answer is the idea that legitimate political authority is based on the consent of the governed. In the excerpt, Locke asserts that humans are naturally free and independent and can only be subject to political authority with their own consent. This argument formed the basis of the social contract theory, which influenced major political revolutions by challenging the absolute authority of monarchs.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Enlightenment Thought and Social Contract Theories
Estimated Time:45s