Conclusion

 __ Conclusion __ It should be noted that while we earlier called them copycats, many of the founding fathers themselves are considered important contributors to the Enlightenment. They were great thinkers themselves. In fact, what they accomplished with their philosophy and theories was a step beyond their European counterparts. They not only came up with great ideas, they put them into practice. The American Revolution and the ensuing creation of the government in the United States Constitution created what many consider to be the greatest government in the history of the world. Our founding fathers took the theories of natural rights, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, social contracts and government by consent and blended them together into a successful and long-lasting structure of government. Their ability to combine philosophy with practicality led to the United States of America becoming the greatest country in the world. This model of government is still copied today in many countries of the world.

Return to Main Page of Enlightenment Web Quest