Question

The statements below are from the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.

1) That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hat a night to demand
evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial zury
2) That the legislative, executive, and judiciary department shall be separate
and distinct...
3) That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and
can never be restrained
4) That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained
to arms, is the proper, natural and safe defense of a free state.
Which statement reflects the Enlightenment ideas of government as expressed by Montesquieu?
A) Statement 1
B) Statement 2
C) Statement 3
D) Statement 4

Answer 1

Statement 2 from the Virginia Declaration of Rights reflects Montesquieu's Enlightenment ideas about the separation of powers within a government to prevent tyranny.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that reflects the Enlightenment ideas of government as expressed by Montesquieu is Statement 2: "That the legislative, executive, and judiciary department shall be separate and distinct..." This concept aligns with Montesquieu's advocacy for the separation of powers within a government system, which he elaborated in his work, The Spirit of the Laws. This idea is foundational for establishing a government in which no one branch has too much power, hence maintaining political liberty and preventing tyranny.