The intellectual influence of John Locke can be felt most directly in which idea in the Declaration of independence?

A. Local control of legislatures

B. The idea that the formation of a new nation requires a defense

C. The rights that the government cannot violate certain individual rights

D. The idea that colonialism is inherently evil

The correct answer is: "A"

John Locke FRS (Wrington, Somerset, August 29, 1632-Essex, October 28, 1704) was an English philosopher and physician, considered one of the most influential thinkers of English empiricism and known as the "Father of Classical Liberalism". He was one of the first British empiricists. Influenced by the ideas of Francis Bacon, he made an important contribution to the theory of the social contract. His work greatly affected the development of epistemology and political philosophy. His writings influenced Voltaire and Rousseau, thinkers of the French Enlightenment, as well as American revolutionaries. His contributions to classical republicanism and liberal theory are reflected in the Declaration of Independence of the United States and the Bill of Rights of 1689.

According to Locke, the State's main mission is to protect those rights, as well as the individual liberties of citizens. He also argues that the government must be constituted by a king and a parliament. The parliament is where popular sovereignty is expressed and where the laws that both the king and the people must fulfill are made. Anticipating Montesquieu, whom Locke influenced, he describes the separation of the legislative and executive powers. The authority of the State is based on the principles of popular sovereignty and legality. Power is not absolute but must respect human rights.