The Enlightenment — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The Enlightenment, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Which thinker developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today?
- Sir Robert Walpole
- James Watt
- ✓ Adam Smith — Correct answer
- David Hume
Adam Smith developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today. David Hume is linked with ideas about human nature, and James Watt with steam power.
Which Scottish thinker developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today?
- Robert Burns
- David Hume
- James Watt
- ✓ Adam Smith — Correct answer
Adam Smith developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today. David Hume influenced philosophers with ideas about human nature.
Which idea was an important principle of the Enlightenment?
- Children should work the same hours as adults
- ✓ Everyone should have the right to their own political and religious beliefs — Correct answer
- Only landowners should vote
- Trade should be controlled by the state
An important principle of the Enlightenment was that everyone should have the right to their own political and religious beliefs. The state should not try to dictate these beliefs.
Which Scottish thinker developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today?
- James Watt
- Robert Walpole
- ✓ Adam Smith — Correct answer
- David Hume
Adam Smith developed ideas about economics that are still referred to today. David Hume is linked with ideas about human nature, and James Watt with steam power.
Which idea was an important principle of the Enlightenment?
- Only scientists should vote
- The state should decide everyone’s beliefs
- ✓ People should have the right to their own political and religious beliefs — Correct answer
- Trade should be banned
A key Enlightenment principle was that people should have their own political and religious beliefs. The state should not try to dictate them.
Which Scottish inventor’s work on steam power helped the Industrial Revolution?
- William Wilberforce
- ✓ James Watt — Correct answer
- Robert Burns
- Adam Smith
James Watt’s work on steam power helped the progress of the Industrial Revolution. The Enlightenment also produced major Scottish thinkers in politics, philosophy and science.