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. He advocated for the separation of church and state (government and religion) to prevent religious influence from corrupting governance and to promote religious tolerance. The other options don't align with his core ideas: he didn't view people as naturally reasonable (contrary to some Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau's view on natural goodness, but Voltaire was more critical of human nature's flaws), the "naturally selfish and violent" view is more associated with Hobbes, and "governments create unequal societies" is not a central Voltairean idea compared to his emphasis on religious - state separation.

Answer:

D. Government should be separate from religion.