Question
John Locke’s philosophy heavily influenced the founding fathers of the U.S., especially Thomas Jefferson. Locke’s phrase of “We
the people” is what drove Jefferson’s ideas.
(A) True
(B) False
the people” is what drove Jefferson’s ideas.
(A) True
(B) False
Ask by Gross Kelley. in the United States
Mar 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The answer is (B) False.
Solution
-
John Locke was an Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas, especially regarding natural rights (life, liberty, and property), had significant influence on many of the Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson.
-
However, the phrase
originates from the preamble of the U.S. Constitution and is not taken from Locke’s writings. -
Therefore, while Locke did influence Jefferson’s ideas, the specific phrase
is not attributed to him.
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The Deep Dive
(A) True
John Locke’s philosophy indeed played a crucial role in shaping the ideas of the founding fathers, particularly Thomas Jefferson. Locke’s belief in natural rights and the social contract deeply influenced the Declaration of Independence. The concept of “We the people” reflects Locke’s notion that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, emphasizing democracy and the protection of individual rights, a foundation upon which the United States was built.