What was the philosophy of the Founding Fathers?

The Founding Fathers were a group of individuals who played a key role in the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States of America. They were primarily political leaders, but also included some of the most prominent thinkers and philosophers of their time.

Their philosophy was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards authority. They believed that all people were created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

They also believed in limited government, with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. They felt that government should exist to protect the rights of the people, and that it was the responsibility of the people to hold their government accountable.

The Founding Fathers also believed in the importance of civic virtue, which they defined as a willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the common good. They believed that a well-educated and engaged citizenry was essential for the success of a democracy.