Idaho Social Studies 9-12.WC.43
The Standard
Analyze the ideas and effects of the major ideas of Enlightenment philosophers including, but not limited to: • Thomas Hobbes • John Locke • Voltaire • Baron de Montesquieu • Jean-Jacques Rousseau • Adam Smith
Idaho Content Standards: K-12 Social Studies · The Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution (c. 1600 AD – 1815 AD)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify what Hobbes, Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Smith argued about government, rights, and markets. They explain how those ideas shaped political and economic change.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students link Locke's natural rights to the Declaration of Independence and Montesquieu's separated powers to the U.S. Constitution. They contrast Hobbes's strong ruler with Rousseau's popular sovereignty. They connect Voltaire's religious tolerance to freedom of worship and Smith's market competition to criticism of mercantilism.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think Hobbes and Locke both wanted rulers with unchecked power. They may mistake Rousseau's general will for any majority vote. They may think Smith opposed every government rule on trade.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Which idea from Locke appears in the Declaration of Independence, and which idea from Montesquieu appears in the U.S. Constitution? Explain each link.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs six philosopher name cards and six idea cards, then have them match and tape each pair beneath government, rights, or markets.
Ask: Would Hobbes or Locke support replacing an unjust ruler? Write three sentences using one claim from each thinker.
Read six paraphrased claims aloud, then have teams raise philosopher name cards and explain each choice.
Compare posted prices for the same snack at two stores, then ask students how Smith would explain the stores' price choices.
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