Where did the foundational ideas of America come from?

by 411eli

I hope I'm articulate in my question.

The US had many novel concepts. State's rights, religious freedom, personal liberty, etc. These ideas were new. Where did the founding fathers come up with this blueprint? Did they borrow from other countries?

History of ideas are interesting and it just occured to me that I was taught America was the first at all these things.

Were they?

Thanks!

RobertDewitt

First, it's important to realize these ideas of religious freedom, personal liberty etc.. came from various English, Scottish and French philosophers. This era was known as the Enlightenment in European society. The majority, if not all, of the Founding Fathers in America knew of the ideologies and wished to incorporate them into a governing system.

I highly recommend you search some famous philosophers such as Voltaire, Thomas Hobbes, Montesquier and John Locke. Their ideas greatly influenced the founding fathers of America.