Lecture Notes: Principles of the American Revolution

Introduction

• Speakers: Kerry Sautner (Chief Learning Officer, National Constitution Center), Tom Donnelly (Top Scholar)
• Focus: Principles of the American Revolution and their influence on the Constitution
• Encourage questions and discussions during the class to understand content better

Framing Questions

• What factors led to the American Revolution?
• What were the three big principles of the revolution?

The Three Big Principles of the American Revolution

1. Popular Sovereignty

• Definition: Legitimate government is driven by the people, not by a king or elite.
• Key idea: "We the People" as the source of constitutional legitimacy.
• People have the power to alter or abolish their government if it fails them.
• Examples: Revolution, new constitutions, amendments.

2. Natural Rights

• Definition: Rights inherent at birth, not granted by government.
• Stems from John Locke's social contract theory.
• Example: Right to self-defense given to the government in exchange for protection.
• Unalienable rights: Rights that cannot be surrendered.
• Example of unalienable right: Right of conscience and the right to alter or abolish government.

3. Rule of Law

• Definition: Government of laws, not by arbitrary rule by men.
• No one is above the law; laws should be knowable, equal, fair, and provide advance notice.
• Example: Caligula's unseeable laws as a violation.

Connection to the Declaration of Independence

• Declaration formalizes the United States as an independent nation.
• Famous passages illustrate the principles:
  • Natural Rights: "All men are created equal...unalienable rights...life, liberty, pursuit of happiness."
  • Popular Sovereignty: "Government derives power from the consent of the governed."
  • Rule of Law: Government must protect safety and happiness, or people can alter/abolish it.

Transition from British Subjects to Revolutionaries

• Colonies enjoyed freedom and self-governance initially.
• Shift occurred as British Empire sought more control and imposed taxes.

Key Acts Leading to Revolution

Sugar Act (1764)

• Tax on molasses and crackdown on smuggling.
• Violated taxation without representation and right to jury trials.

Stamp Act (1765)

• Taxes on paper goods; required imperial stamps.
• Provoked significant protests; led to Stamp Act Congress.

Townshend Acts (1767)

• Taxes on imports like tea; led to massive protests and military occupation in Boston.
• Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party as key events.

Coercive Acts

• British response to Boston Tea Party; seen as intolerable by colonists.
• Closed Boston Harbor, curbed town meetings, and allowed British troops to be quartered.

Influential Text: Common Sense by Thomas Paine

• Published January 1776; called for independence, attacked monarchy.
• Popularized constitutional arguments for the masses.

Conclusion: Declaration of Independence

• Summarizes grievances against King George III and British Parliament.
• Describes abuses of rights, taxation without representation, and failure to address colonists' petitions.
• Highlights colonists' right to alter/abolish government as per social contract theory.

Wrap-Up

• The principles of popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the rule of law justify the revolution.
• Emphasizes the importance of these principles in understanding U.S. governance today.