We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. —American Declaration of Independence, 1776 Which of these Enlightenment ideas is found in the passage from the Declaration of Independence? A. Reason is the best way to find truth. B. Governments need checks and balances. C. People are born with natural rights. D. Democratic elections represent the people.

During the Enlightenment, John Locked proposed innovative ideas such as all men were entitled to life, liberty, and prosperity. He considered that humans were good in nature and were born equal and free. Those were the ideas that the Founding Fathers of America used in the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.