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The political culture of the early United States was heavily influenced by several key periods of European thought. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
Enlightenment (17th & 18th centuries): This philosophical movement emphasized reason, natural law, individual rights, and limited government. Founders like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison drew heavily on Enlightenment ideals when crafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Concepts like social contract theory, which posits that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, were central to the American Revolution and the creation of a representative democracy.
English common law: The American legal system inherited many principles from English common law, which emphasizes individual rights and liberties. Concepts like due process, habeas corpus (protection from unlawful imprisonment), and trial by jury were all incorporated into the American legal system and reflected in the early political culture.
John Locke (17th century): This philosopher’s ideas on natural rights, limited government, and the right to revolution were highly influential. His concept of a social contract, where people give up some freedoms in exchange for a government that protects their natural rights, resonated with the American colonists.
Montesquieu (18th century): This French philosopher’s ideas on separation of powers, a system of checks and balances, were crucial in shaping the American government. The Founding Fathers believed in dividing power among different branches to prevent tyranny.
Republicanism (18th century): This political philosophy emphasized civic virtue, citizen participation, and a mixed government with elements of democracy and aristocracy. The early American concept of a republic, where citizens held power through elected representatives, was influenced by this philosophy.
that these European ideas weren’t simply adopted wholesale. The colonists adapted them to their specific circumstances and needs. They were wary of concentrated power and sought to create a government that protected individual liberty while ensuring stability.