The Declaration of Independence and the American Theory of Government

[T]his was the object of the Declaration of Independance. not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject; [. . .] terms so plain and firm, as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independant stand we [. . .] compelled to take. neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the american mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. all it’s authority rests then on the harmonising sentiments of the day, whether expressed, in conversns in letters, printed essays or in the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney Etc. the historical documents which you mention as in your possession, ought all to be found, and I am persuaded you will find, to be corroborative of the facts and principles advanced in that Declaration.

Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee, May 8, 1825

Late in life, Thomas Jefferson wrote these words to Henry Lee explaining intentions behind the Declaration of Independence. He and his fellow drafters aimed not at originality, but rather the composition of a document that reflected how educated Americans thought about their rights. This letter offers a revealing look into the ways that the Declaration flowed from a long tradition of political reflection about limited government and ordered liberty.

Although they differ significantly in emphasis, our essays this month draw deeply from the Anglo-American tradition of constitutional reflection and political philosophy. These essays direct us toward the crucial truth that all free governments require a clear constitutional process through which they enact legislation. Both the Declaration and this month’s contributions to our Pamphlet Project highlight the ways that the American Colonies had developed a distinctive view of the relationship between the government and the citizens, one driven by an understanding of politics and constitutionalism itself that demanded a new kind of republican politics.

This month’s essays and resources at A Call to Liberty allow us to reflect on the rich cultural inheritance that created these views of law, and also a chance to grapple with the tremendous intellectual accomplishments at the heart of our constitutional order.