Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

John Locke's philosophy is foundational to modern democratic thought, particularly regarding the relationship between government and individual rights. He asserted that individuals are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which governments are created to protect. When a government fails to safeguard these rights or becomes tyrannical, Locke argued that the people not only have the right but also the moral obligation to overthrow such a governance. This revolutionary idea significantly influenced the Enlightenment and the development of democratic principles in the United States, as reflected in documents like the Declaration of Independence.

In contrast, the other perspectives do not align with Locke's philosophy. The belief in absolute power of monarchs negates the concept of individual rights and the social contract that Locke proposed. Likewise, the idea that people should accept oppression contradicts Locke's emphasis on individual rights and government accountability. Lastly, the enforcement of divine rights by leaders opposes Locke's notion that legitimate government authority comes from the consent of the governed, not from a divine mandate. Locke's views emphasize empowerment of the individual and the importance of a government that serves its people rather than represses them.