Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals presented in the U.S. Constitution?

The Enlightenment is the philosophical movement that best reflects the ideals presented in the U.S. Constitution because it emphasized reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge as foundations for government and society. This era was characterized by thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, who influenced the framers of the Constitution with their ideas about natural rights, the social contract, and the separation of powers.

The U.S. Constitution embodies Enlightenment principles by establishing a government based on the consent of the governed, wherein individual rights are protected against tyranny. The framers designed a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government would become too powerful, a concept rooted in Enlightenment thought.

Additionally, the emphasis on liberty, equality, and justice found in the Bill of Rights aligns directly with Enlightenment ideals. These concepts were revolutionary at the time and provided the intellectual framework that guided the formation of a new nation, setting a precedent for democracy and constitutional governance worldwide.