What is an example of the influence of Enlightenment ideas on state constitutions?

Answer 1

The principle of separation of powers is one. State constitutions have several branches of government as the Federal government does.

Enlightenment of Ideas is a bit of a vague term, but it can be safely assumed that Freedom of Religion is a good example. It is included in every one of the fifty states' constitutions. For several thousand years it was illegal not to be the same religion as your Lord or King. It was not until the Reformation that one could legally become a different religion than your master, and not until the enlightenment of the renaissance that a person could be a religion not specifically condoned by the ruler.

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Take the first clause of section one from Oregon's constitution :

We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.

Enlightenment ideas were based on individual rights and freedom as in Rousseau's

beliefs :

Rousseau stressed the role of the individual as a member of society. The social contract that he proposed was a contract in which the members of society agreed to be ruled by their general will.

This is what is stated in the clause above of the Oregon constitution especially when it says: "all power is inherent in the people."