Question

the writers of the declaration of independence borrow what idea from john locke?

natural rights

social contract

jurisprudence

Explanation:

Identify Locke's influence

The question asks which idea the writers of the Declaration of Independence borrowed from John Locke. John Locke was an Enlightenment philosopher famous for his political theories on government and individual liberties.

Analyze the options

• natural rights: Locke argued that all individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson famously adapted this in the Declaration of Independence as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
• social contract: While Locke discussed the social contract, the primary, most direct concept borrowed and explicitly adapted into the opening lines of the Declaration is the doctrine of inalienable natural rights.
• jurisprudence: This refers to the theory or philosophy of law, which is a broad field rather than a specific political idea borrowed by the founders.

Connect to the Declaration

Jefferson directly mirrored Locke's philosophy of Declaration of Independence foundations by asserting that governments are instituted to secure these natural rights, and if a government fails, citizens have a right to alter or abolish it.

Answer:

• natural rights (Correct answer)
• social contract
• jurisprudence