America's founding ideals and principles

 America's founding ideals and principles are well-documented and form the bedrock of the nation's political philosophy and governance. Here is a comprehensive list based on the provided sources:

Core Ideals and Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights: Rights inherent to all human beings, such as life, liberty, and property, which can only be justly abridged through due process.

Liberty: The power to think and act freely without undue restraint, except by the laws of nature and without infringing on the rights of others.

Equality: All individuals have the same claim to natural rights and are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Justice: A political order that protects the rights of all individuals equally and ensures equal treatment under the law.

Freedom of Opportunity: The chance for individuals to pursue their own path and achieve success based on their efforts and abilities.

Governance Principles

Majority Rule/Minority Rights: Laws are made with the consent of the majority but must not infringe on the inalienable rights of the minority.

Consent of the Governed/Popular Sovereignty: The power of government derives from the people, who consent to be governed.

Democracy: A form of government where ultimate authority is based directly on the will of the people.

Republic: A constitutional form of government with elected representatives who represent and refine the will of the people.

Structural Principles

Rule of Law: Both government and citizens are subject to the same laws, which must be stable and justly applied.

Due Process: The government must apply laws and rules equally to all people.

Separation of Powers: The division of government into branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Additional Values

Individual Responsibility: Emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and self-reliance.

Limited Government: The government’s powers are restricted to protect individual freedoms and prevent arbitrary use of power.

Foundational Documents

Declaration of Independence: Articulates the ideals of natural rights and the reasons for separation from Great Britain, emphasizing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Constitution: Defines the framework of the federal government and outlines the principles of limited government and the rule of law.

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which define citizens' and states' rights in relation to the government.

These principles and values are essential for understanding the American experiment in self-government and the philosophical foundations that continue to guide the nation. They emphasize the importance of individual freedoms, equality, and a government that is accountable to the people.