Which of the following best describes the relationship between rulers and subjects as understood by most philosophers of the Enlightenment?

A. Rulers could only rule through the consent of the governed, who gave rulers authority as part of a "social contract."
B. Kings ruled by "divine right" because they had been chosen by God to rule over their people.
C. A ruler could only be chosen as the result of an election in which both men and women were allowed to vote.
D. Only religious leaders should be allowed to control the government because they know what is best for the people.

The Enlightenment philosophers advocated for the idea that rulers derive their authority from the consent of the governed, as articulated in the concept of the social contract. They rejected notions of divine right and emphasized reason and individual rights in governance. Thus, option A best describes this relationship.

Explanation:

Understanding the Enlightenment Perspective on Governance

During the Enlightenment, many philosophers developed ideas about the relationship between rulers and their subjects, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and the social contract. The correct option that encapsulates this relationship is:

Rulers could only rule through the consent of the governed, who gave rulers authority as part of a "social contract."

This concept of the social contract was famously articulated by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. They argued that governance is based on the agreement between the rulers and the people, where the governed grant authority to the rulers in exchange for protection of their rights and welfare.

In contrast, the notion of divine right to rule, which suggests that kings were chosen by God, was more typical of earlier periods and was not a principle upheld by Enlightenment thinkers. The idea that only elected officials could lead, or that religious leaders should govern solely based on their spiritual authority, also does not reflect the Enlightenment ideals, which focused on rationality and the validity of consent over mere tradition or divine endorsement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Enlightenment emphasized a mutual agreement between rulers and subjects, highlighting the importance of consent as central to legitimate governance.

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