Sample Response: Bolívar is a supporter of Enlightenment ideas because he believes in the concept of equal rights. He personally took steps to free the enslaved persons his family owned, and to end slavery in Gran Colombia. In government, he supported the idea of separation of powers as expressed by Montesquieu. However, he also favored a strong executive branch and authoritarian leadership to ensure political stability for the nation. He also opposed the limited government supported by many Enlightenment thinkers. These ideas show that he was skeptical that American-style democracy could work.

Which of these did you include? Check all that apply.

He believes in and supports the concepts of equal rights as expressed by Locke.
He is skeptical that representative government can work.
He supports Montesquieu’s ideas about the separation of powers in government.
He believes in strong authoritarian leadership rather than a limited executive branch.