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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.

How do we define the three key principles at the core of the American Revolution: popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the rule of law?
What factors gave rise to the American Revolution? How did famous events in the American Revolution interact with the key principles at the heart of the American Revolution?
How did the Declaration of Independence embody the key principles of popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the rule of law?
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Briefing Document
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Worksheet
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Video: Constitution 101 Lecture

Constitution 101

Module 2: Principles of the American Revolution

Additional Resources

Educational Video
Principles of the American Revolution With Akhil Reed Amar

Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, joins National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen.

Podcast
Plato, Aristotle, and the Founders

David Coleman joins Jeffrey Rosen to discuss the founders, philosophers like Aristotle, and why they still matter today.

Big Questions

Classroom Materials

Explore Principles of the American Revolution Questions

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