The Declaration of Independence states We hold these truths

This excerpt is from an interview conducted in the 1930s wit - GED Prep

Question

The Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This statement most directly reflects the influence of which Enlightenment philosopher?

Answers

Thomas Hobbes, who argued that people need a strong ruler to maintain order
correct

John Locke, who argued that government exists to protect natural rights
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who developed the concept of the "general will"
Adam Smith, who advocated for free markets and limited government intervention

Explanation

Correct Answer: B. John Locke, who argued that government exists to protect natural rights

John Locke's philosophy directly influenced the language and concepts in the Declaration of Independence. Locke argued that humans have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are formed to protect these rights. Thomas Jefferson adapted this idea in the Declaration, replacing "property" with "pursuit of happiness."

Why other options are incorrect:

Option A (Thomas Hobbes): Hobbes believed in the need for a strong, even absolute sovereign to prevent chaos, which contradicts the Declaration's emphasis on rights and limited government.
Option C (Jean-Jacques Rousseau): While Rousseau's ideas about social contracts influenced revolutionary thinking, his concept of the "general will" was not directly reflected in the quoted passage.
Option D (Adam Smith): Smith's economic theories about free markets weren't directly connected to the natural rights philosophy expressed in the Declaration.

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