“Enlightenment Principles and the Foundation of American Democracy” The Enlightenment principles of equality played a crucial role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. These principles were a direct reflection of the ideas and beliefs of Enlightenment philosophers such as John

Discuss the Enlightenment principles of equality upon which Thomas Jefferson based the Declaration of Independence. Where did Jefferson get these principles, and how were they different from the idea of absolute monarchy that existed in Europe? To what extent did the various states view and apply ideas of individual freedom as discussed in Chapter 6, “The Revolution Within” in our textextbook? Discuss the reasons some states granted relatively greater freedoms and some less. What does the term “public sphere” mean? Compare how was it used by Abigail Adams in her 1776 letter to John Adams (p.494) and by “Petitions of Slaves to The Massachusetts Legislature (1773 and 1777)” (p.494-5).