Question

which statement best characterizes the ideas of jean-jacques rousseau? people are naturally selfish and violent. government should be separate from religion. governments create unequal societies. people are naturally reasonable.

Explanation:

Jean - Jacques Rousseau believed in the natural goodness of people and that governments, through social contracts gone wrong, create unequal societies. The idea that “People are naturally selfish and violent” is more associated with Thomas Hobbes. The separation of government and religion is more of a later Enlightenment or modern idea not central to Rousseau's main thoughts. The idea that “People are naturally reasonable” is more associated with thinkers like John Locke in a different way. Rousseau's view on the origin of inequality posits that governments (and social institutions) are the source of creating unequal societies.

Answer:

Governments create unequal societies.