Question

in writing the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson was most directly influenced by the social contract theory of

Answer 1

The correct answer is John Locke.

Enlightenment philosopher John Locke developed a theory of natural rights in which every free person had the rights of life, liberty, and property and that citizens entered into government to protect those rights.

Thomas Jefferson was heavily influenced by Locke and developed the concept of natural rights further writing in the Declaration of Independence that every citizen had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.