Question

absolutism and the enlightenment test #1
task: record your answer to the multiple - choice on the answer sheet
(20 questions 4 points each = 80 points total)
base your answer to questions 1 - 2 on the source below and on your knowledge of social studies.
nor is there liberty if the power of judging is not separated from legislative power and from executive power. if it were joined to legislative power, the power over the life and liberty of the citizens would be arbitrary, for the judge would be the legislator. if it were joined to executive power, the judge could have the force of an oppressor.
—montesquieu, the spirit of the laws

1. in this passage, montesquieu references

(1) enlightened despotism
(2) a policy of mercantilism
(3) a separation of powers
(4) a social contract

1. which groups ideas are best supported by this excerpt

(1) enlightened philosophers
(2) absolute monarchs
(3) communists
(4) missionaries
base your answer to questions 3 - 4 on the source below and on your knowledge of social studies.
when the legislature... grasp for themselves, or put into the hands of any other, an absolute power over their lives, liberties, and estates of the people,... they forfeit the power the people had put into their hands for quite contrary ends, and it passes to the people, who have a right to resume their original liberty....
—john locke, two treatises on civil government

1. which idea is expressed in this passage?

(1) the people should give up their liberty to create an orderly society.
(2) people have the right to rebel if their natural rights are denied.
(3) governments should be obeyed regardless of their actions.
(4) liberty can only be guaranteed in a direct democracy.

1. european political thinkers who supported the enlightenment believed that

(1) religious tolerance is a dangerous concept
(2) an absolute monarchy is the most efficient government
(3) governments should protect the rights of the people
(4) civil liberties should be given as rewards for political loyalty.

Explanation:

1. Montesquieu emphasizes separating the power of judging from legislative and executive powers, which is the concept of separation of powers.
2. Montesquieu was an Enlightenment philosopher, so his ideas support Enlightened philosophers.
3. John Locke's passage states that if the legislature misuses power, the people have the right to resume their original liberty, meaning people have the right to rebel if their natural rights are denied.
4. Enlightenment - era European political thinkers believed in protecting the rights of the people.

Answer:

1. (3) a separation of powers
2. (1) Enlightened philosophers
3. (2) People have the right to rebel if their natural rights are denied.
4. (3) Governments should protect the rights of the people