Which document or theory was significantly influenced by John Locke's political philosophy?

Which document or theory was significantly influenced by John Locke's political philosophy?

• A. Declaration of Independence
• B. Articles of Confederation
• C. Constitution
• D. Federalist Papers

Answer: (A)

The Declaration of Independence was significantly influenced by John Locke's political philosophy, particularly his ideas on natural rights and the social contract. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are formed to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, he believed that the people have the right to modify or overthrow it. This ideological framework is evident in the Declaration of Independence, where Thomas Jefferson articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain by emphasizing the concept of unalienable rights. The well-known phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” mirrors Locke’s assertion about natural rights, reinforcing the notion that the government's legitimacy arises from the consent of the governed. In contrast, while the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers are important documents in American history, they do not bear the same direct influence from Locke’s political philosophy as the Declaration does. The Articles focused more on the structure of government after independence, the Constitution established the framework for federal governance, and the Federalist Papers were concerned with advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and addressing concerns about the balance of power. All these documents reflect broader principles of governance, but the foundational ideas of individual rights

The Declaration of Independence was significantly influenced by John Locke's political philosophy, particularly his ideas on natural rights and the social contract. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are formed to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, he believed that the people have the right to modify or overthrow it.

This ideological framework is evident in the Declaration of Independence, where Thomas Jefferson articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain by emphasizing the concept of unalienable rights. The well-known phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” mirrors Locke’s assertion about natural rights, reinforcing the notion that the government's legitimacy arises from the consent of the governed.

In contrast, while the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers are important documents in American history, they do not bear the same direct influence from Locke’s political philosophy as the Declaration does. The Articles focused more on the structure of government after independence, the Constitution established the framework for federal governance, and the Federalist Papers were concerned with advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and addressing concerns about the balance of power. All these documents reflect broader principles of governance, but the foundational ideas of individual rights