How did the Articles of

Confederation reflect
republican values in the U.S.?

I. Declaration of Independence
A. Two purposes
1. POLITICAL: Revolutionary leaders needed to
- gain more support from colonists - language was
attractive to the masses (many colonists were Patriots or
indifferent)
- Appeal for outside support - ie. the French - to join their
side of the war

2. PHILOSOPHICAL
- Outlined the philosophy of the new government

The Declaration of Independence was intended to be

an expression of the American mind.All its authority
rests on the harmonizing sentiments of the day
whether expressed in conversation, letters, printed
essays, or the elementary books of right as Aristotle,
Cicero, Locke, etc.

- Thomas Jefferson

B. Declaration of Independence: An Expression

of the American Mind?
1. Many revolutionary leaders well-educated in
Enlightenment philosophy, which peaked during
their time (mid-18th c)
emphasized reason, respect for humanity, inherent national
rights
esp. John Lockes Second Treatise
- all men born with natural rights (to life, liberty, property)moral universals; as opposed to legal rights that are
culturally/politically relative)
- Social contract - both Locke and Hobbes emphasized this
- Right to revolt if government breaks the contract (ie. becomes
too powerful)

2. Even if most colonists were not educated on

Enlightenment philosophy, there were shared experiences
that lent themselves to the belief in republicanism
Historian Gordon Wood: Colonists had experienced a genuine social
transformation that ultimately led to a radically different society from
any that existed in Europe (The revolution had taken place before the
war began)

belief in actual representation

tradition of greater self-government/limited government that had
grown during the period of Salutary Neglect in colonial America
- ie. representative assemblies, town hall meetings in New England
Identity grew away from Britain - American simplicity and greater
equality among white men

WHILE THERE WAS TENSION BETWEEN

CONSERVATIVE AND LIBERAL FACTIONS OF THE
REVOLUTIONARY LEADERSHIP, THE SPIRIT OF THE
REVOLUTION THAT HAD SPREAD DURING THOSE
YEARS, THE IDEALS FOR WHICH MANY AMERICANS
FOUGHT, SHAPED A VISION THAT MANY HELD OF A
VIRTUOUS REPUBLIC WITH INCREASED ELEMENTS
OF DEMOCRACY DURING AND IN THE IMMEDIATE
AFTERMATH OF WAR.

Government
has
authority of
citizens
Written
constitution

II. VISIONS
OF A
VIRTUOUS
REPUBLIC

Guarantees
rights and
freedoms
Vision of
simple and
plain
lifestyle

Educated
citizenry

Limited powers
(checks/balanc
es; frequent
elections)