Principles of the American Revolution

Introduction

By looking at the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as primary sources, we study how the two documents set the foundation for American democracy. We also explore the key principles behind the American Revolution—including natural rights, the rule of law, and popular sovereignty—and examine how the form of government established by the Constitution incorporated each idea.

• Natural Rights: Natural rights are rights that are given by God or by nature. They come not from a law passed by the government but rather are inherent in all individual human beings from birth.
• Rule of Law: The rule of law is the basic idea that we have a neutral government of laws, not an arbitrary government of one person. In other words, no one is above the law.
• Popular Sovereignty: The Constitution establishes a government based on the consent of the governed. The sovereign power is held not by a King or an aristocracy but by the American people.