The Ideals of the Founding Fathers in 1776 centered on a bold re-imagining of what a nation could be. The vision was articulated most clearly in the Declaration of Independence, and the themes that shaped it still define
American political culture today.

The Core ideals of the Founders in 1776 were:

Natural Rights:
The Founders believed that all people possess inherent rights that do not come from kings or governments. These included:

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights were described as “natural” and universal, rooted in
Enlightenment philosophy is echoed in the Declaration’s preamble.

Government by Consent:
A legitimate government, in their view, must be based on:

Consent of the governed.
Representation rather than monarchy.
Accountability to the people.

This was a direct rejection of hereditary rule and the authority of the British Crown.

Right to Resist Tyranny:
If a government violated natural rights or ruled without consent, the people retained:

The right to establish a new government that better secures liberties. This principle
justified the colonies’ break from Britain.

Equality (at least in principle):
The Declaration’s claim that “all men are created equal” introduced a radical ideal for the era. While not fully
realized in practice, it became a foundational aspiration for future generations.

Rule of Law:
Influenced by thinkers like Thomas Paine, the Founders emphasized that:
The Law, not a king, should be supreme.
America should be a nation where laws restrain power and protect rights.

Liberty from Oppression:
The Founders saw America as a place uniquely suited for freedom, “untainted” by Old World corruption, as
some colonial thinkers believed. This Ideal fueled the revolutionary spirit.

Unity and Self-Determination:
The Founders sought to:

Unite the 13 colonies
Establish a new national identity
Create a framework for self-governance in place of Imperial control.