The colonists came to the new world with the ideas of the Enlightenment period as their source of governmental philosophy. Please define and discuss the three basic principles upon which the new system of government was created. For each of the principles, also indicate an example of how the principle was included in the organization and formation of the national government

The Enlightenment period greatly influenced the political philosophy of the colonists, and its ideas played a crucial role in the creation of the new system of government in the United States. Three fundamental principles derived from Enlightenment thought that influenced the organization and formation of the national government include:

1.Popular Sovereignty:

Definition: Popular sovereignty is the idea that political power resides with the people, and the legitimacy of the government is based on the consent of the governed.

Influence on the Government: The principle of popular sovereignty influenced the creation of a representative democracy, where elected officials derive their authority from the consent of the people.

2.Separation of Powers:

Definition: The separation of powers is the division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power in one authority.

Influence on the Government: The U.S. Constitution reflects the separation of powers by establishing three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own set of powers and responsibilities, creating a system of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.

3.Protection of Individual Rights:

Definition: This principle emphasizes the protection of individual rights and liberties against potential abuses by the government.

Influence on the Government: The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, reflects the commitment to protecting individual rights. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and more. The Bill of Rights serves as a safeguard against potential government overreach.

Examples of Incorporation in the Organization and Formation of the National Government:

1.Popular Sovereignty:

Incorporation: The principle of popular sovereignty is evident in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which begins with the words, "We the People," emphasizing that the authority of the government is derived from the people. Additionally, the Constitution begins with the phrase "in Order to form a more perfect Union," highlighting the idea of creating a government that serves the interests of the people.

2.Separation of Powers:

Incorporation: The U.S. Constitution divides powers among the three branches of government. For example, Article I establishes the legislative branch (Congress), Article II creates the executive branch (the President), and Article III establishes the judicial branch (the federal courts). Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and the Constitution outlines the limits and interactions between them.

3.Protection of Individual Rights:

Incorporation: The Bill of Rights, added to the Constitution in 1791, explicitly protects individual rights. For example, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. These rights reflect Enlightenment ideals of individual liberties and restrictions on government authority.

In summary, the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights, influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, are foundational to the U.S. system of government. These principles are enshrined in the Constitution and continue to shape the American political system.