Question

select the correct answer.
which philosopher had the most profound influence on thomas jefferson’s political thought?
a. thomas hobbes
b. jean - jacques rousseau
c. john locke
d. charles - louis montesquieu
e. benjamin franklin

Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson's political thought, especially in the Declaration of Independence (with ideas like natural rights), was heavily influenced by John Locke's theories on natural rights (life, liberty, property, later adapted as life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and social contract. Hobbes' view was more authoritarian, Rousseau's focused on the general will, Montesquieu on separation of powers (influential but less on Jefferson's core natural rights), and Franklin was a statesman/inventor, not the key philosophical influence here.

Answer:

C. John Locke