Question

how did thomas jefferson influence the development of democracy in the united states?
a. he published essays that formed the basis of the u.s. legal system.
b. he used enlightenment principles to explain why the united states was demanding its independence.
c. he criticized the constitution for not giving enough power to the federal government.
d. he popularized the belief that political revolutions should always be nonviolent.

Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson, influenced by Enlightenment ideas, used them in the Declaration of Independence to justify the colonies' break - away from British rule, which was a key step in the development of democracy in the US. His work was not about forming the basis of the US legal system. He actually criticized the Constitution for giving too much power to the federal government, not too little. And he did not popularize the idea that political revolutions should always be non - violent.

Answer:

B. He used Enlightenment principles to explain why the United States was demanding its independence.