Declaration of Independence and Lead up to the Constitution

The Enlightenment

A philosophical movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, political ideas and an emphasis on rationalism

Thomas Hobbes’ beliefs

In nature, without government, people were cruel, greedy, and selfish due to their desire for power. Without laws life would be “nasty, brutish, and short.”

John Locke

A philosopher from the 17th Century who believed in peace, learning from birth, and that all humans are born with natural rights that are to be protected all throughout their lives.

Natural Rights

John Locke believed that all humans are born with natural rights that come from God - Life, Liberty, and property.

Social Contract

An agreement between the ruled and their rulers, defining the rights and duties of each

Consent of the governed

Government’s legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and lawful only when consented, or agreed to, by the people.

Montesquieu and the role of government

Believed in separating power, too much power in the hands of one person is dangerous.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s beliefs

People are basically good but become corrupted by society. The general will (of the people) should direct the state toward the common good. Hence, the good of the community is more important than individual interests.

Voltaire’s beliefs

Advocated freedom of thought, speech, politics, and religion. Attacked corrupt government officials, and the slave trade. Championed religious freedom and tolerance. His books were outlawed, and even burned by the authorities.

Causes of the Revolutionary War

The Stamp Act, The Townshend Acts, The Boston Massacre, The Boston Tea Party, The Coercive Acts, Lexington and Concord, British attacks on coastal towns.

First Continental Congress

Several future luminaries, including John Adams, George Washington, and John Nay came together in Carpenter’s Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the hope to organize colonial resistance against the Intolerable Acts newly passed by the British Parliament.

Second Continental Congress

Several people met up to discuss the supervising of the United Kingdom starting a war against them even though they proclaimed their loyalty. They ended up writing the Declaration of Independence as a result after they synthesized what was happening.

Declaration of Independence/Four principles of government

The Declaration of Independence’s governmental purpose was to promote the public good, and to protect natural rights. Authors included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert Livingston. The general purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to be sent to King George III and his Parliament, to inform them that the U.S. was declaring independence. It was additionally written to convince other nations to recognize the new United States, to persuade France to give them financial and military assistance, and use the language in the D.O.I. to appeal to French philosophers. Another general purpose was to inform and persuade colonists to fight the war.

Thomas Jefferson and the Paradox of Liberty

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the U.S., but he owned several slaves; it is pondered on that he may have contradicted his own purpose in a paradox.

Articles of Confederation

The written document that establishes the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain.

Shay’s Rebellion

In Massachusetts, high taxes were causing the state to struggle; there was a rebellion to prevent this from happening. This was trying to send a message that the Articles of Confederation were failing to help in the U.S., and that they were not going to succeed any longer.