Chapter 5.2
Revolutionary Principles: The Ideas That Built American Democracy
Discover how Enlightenment ideas about natural rights, popular sovereignty, and limited government transformed colonial resistance into a principled revolution that reshaped the modern world.
What You'll Learn
Natural rights theory holds that life, liberty, property are inherent.
Social contract theory justifies revolution when rulers break agreements.
Popular sovereignty means government authority flows from the people.
Separation of powers prevents tyranny through checks and balances.
What You'll Practice
1
Students define key terms like consent and popular sovereignty.
2
Learners analyze passages connecting Enlightenment ideas to revolution.
3
Practice questions assess understanding of limited government principles.
Why This Matters
Mastering revolutionary principles gives students the intellectual tools to understand American democracy, evaluate governmental authority, and engage meaningfully in civic life.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Natural Rights
Popular Sovereignty
Social Contract
Separation of Powers
Limited Government
OH Curriculum Aligned
