The influences on the Declaration of Independence extend far beyond John Locke to encompass a complex tapestry of philosophical traditions, religious thought, and legal principles. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams crafted a document that uniquely blends Enlightenment rationality with Protestant theology, Scottish moral philosophy, and English common law.

• Both Jefferson and Adams received extensive liberal arts educations that exposed them to diverse philosophical traditions
• The Declaration represents distinctly American "both/and" thinking rather than "either/or" philosophical approaches
• References to "laws of nature and nature's God" reflect natural law traditions from classical through medieval Christian philosophy
• Montesquieu may be more influential than Locke when considering the Declaration as a complete document
• The Scottish Enlightenment contributed concepts like "self-evident" truths through thinkers like Francis Hutchison
• Protestant covenant theology influenced the Declaration's blending of liberty with religious principles
• English common law shaped the structure of the Declaration's indictments against King George III
• The document's complexity requires careful reading and discussion to fully appreciate its philosophical foundations

Join us for future episodes as we continue exploring the Declaration of Independence and its enduring significance.

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

We explore the key grievances that American colonists held against King George III and the British Parliament as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, examining how these complaints formed the legal basis for revolution.

• The bulk of the Declaration of Independence functions as a legal indictment against British rule, not just philosophical statements
• Parliament initially received more blame than King George in earlier colonial protests
• Colonial self-government was the primary concern - the ability to elect local lawmakers was seen as the essence of liberty
• Judicial independence became a key grievance when the King controlled judges' tenure and salaries
• These complaints directly influenced protections later enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights
• Americans positioned themselves as conservatives defending traditional British liberties, not radicals
• The revolution occurred only after years of ignored petitions and "patient sufferance"
• Lincoln later distinguished the American Revolution from Confederate secession based on this patient approach

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Dr. Carrese continues to examine the Declaration of Independence's guidance on what citizens can do when facing government abuse of power. We explore how the document establishes the right and duty to overthrow tyrannical regimes under specific circumstances.

• Analysis of the Declaration's second paragraph structure and its four distinct subsections
• Discussion of Harvard scholar Danielle Allen's research on a contested period after "the pursuit of happiness"
• Explanation of how governments are instituted to secure unalienable rights with powers derived from consent
• Clarification of the right to "alter or abolish" destructive governments and establish new ones
• Examination of the Founders' prudent approach to revolution after "a long train of abuses"
• Comparison between despotism and tyranny as interchangeable terms for unchecked rule
• Insight into how the Declaration justifies American resistance to British imperial policies

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics