The most important influence on the American Founders was the European Enlightenment, particularly the political philosophy of John Locke. Locke's ideas about natural rights-life, liberty, and property-and the concept that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed deeply shaped the Founders' thinking. His belief that people have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect their rights was fundamental to the Declaration of Independence and the formation of American government
. In addition to Locke and Enlightenment thought, the Founders were influenced by:
- Ancient political ideas from Greek democracy and the Roman republic, which taught lessons about self-government and its challenges
- The English political tradition, including ideas about constitutionalism and rights
- Protestant Christianity, which influenced their views on morality and governance
Together, these intellectual currents helped the Founders craft a new form of government based on reason, individual rights, and the rule of law, distinct from monarchy and despotism
