Question

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

Explanation:

Voltaire was a key figure of the Enlightenment, advocating for the separation of church and state (secularism). The idea that "Government should be separate from religion" aligns with his views on religious tolerance and opposing religious influence in governance. The other options: "People are naturally reasonable" is more associated with some other Enlightenment thinkers' views on human nature, "People are naturally selfish and violent" is closer to Hobbes' view, and "Governments create unequal societies" is not a primary Voltairean idea.

Answer:

D. Government should be separate from religion.