Name that Philosopher
This philosopher argued that people are naturally selfish and that life without government would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Who is he?
Thomas Hobbes
"The natural condition of mankind is a state of war...life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Who said this?
Thomas Hobbes
Which idea from John Locke is reflected in the Declaration of Independence's assertion of unalienable rights?
The idea that individuals possess natural rights that government must protect (Locke)
This 1215 document limited the power of King John and is considered a foundation for the rule of law. Name it.
Magna Carta
Match: "Separation of powers" — Which philosopher? (List one: Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau)
Separation of powers — Montesquieu
This thinker wrote that government must protect life, liberty, and property, and that citizens can overthrow a government that fails to do so. Name him.
John Locke
All men are created equal"—which foundational document contains this phrase and which thinker’s ideas does it reflect? (Name the document and the philosopher.)
The Declaration of Independence; reflects John Locke
Which document in English history first limited the power of the monarch and influenced later constitutional thinking?
Magna Carta
Signed by Pilgrims in 1620 to establish self-government in the New World. Name it.
Mayflower Compact
"Consent of the governed" — Which philosopher?
Consent of the governed — Rousseau
Who advocated separation of powers into branches of government to prevent tyranny?
Baron de Montesquieu
"To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them." Which philosopher from our list is most associated with the idea that government should reflect the general will of the people?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Which philosopher’s idea is the direct ancestor of the U.S. system of checks and balances?
Montesquieu (separation of powers/checks and balances)
This 1689 act limited the powers of the English monarch, established certain parliamentary rights, and influenced rights in the colonies. Name it.
English Bill of Rights
"Rule of law / limited monarchy" — Which historical document?
Rule of law / limited monarchy
Who advocated separation of powers into branches of government to prevent tyranny?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
"Wherever law ends, tyranny begins." Which historical document or tradition is this quote most closely connected to? (Name the document or legal tradition.)
Magna Carta (and the broader English common-law tradition)
Which colonial compact or agreement established early self-government in New England and influenced later American political thought?
Mayflower Compact
A 1628 English document that protested arbitrary taxation and imprisonment, later influencing colonial demands for rights. Name it.
Petition of Right
Match: "Right to petition / no arbitrary imprisonment"
Right to petition / no arbitrary imprisonment
Identify the thinker who influenced the Framers with ideas about natural rights and a government limited by law; his Two Treatises of Government were especially influential.
John Locke
"Power should be a check to power." Which philosopher argued for this in support of dividing government authority?
Montesquieu
Explain in one or two sentences how the Petition of Right and the English Bill of Rights together constrained the monarchy and influenced American constitutional protections.
The Petition of Right (1628) challenged arbitrary taxation and imprisonment; the English Bill of Rights (1689) limited monarchic power and affirmed parliamentary rights—together they contributed to constitutional protections against arbitrary rule and supported representative government.
The 1776 American document that articulated colonial grievances and asserted natural rights—name it.
Declaration of Independence
Match: "Natural rights (life, liberty, property)" — Which philosopher?
Match: "Natural rights (life, liberty, property)" — Which philosopher?