Independence Day
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the birth of American independence from the British Empire. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. During our 250th birthday year, Americans continue to celebrate this milestone of freedom with festivities like fireworks, parades, concerts, and more.
A nation becomes great when the citizens establish the right kind of institutions such as homes, churches, schools, and businesses. All of these institutions have contributed to America’s greatness. A nation becomes great when the citizens are righteous. America was not founded on Christian standards, but was founded on a set of political, philosophical, and ideological beliefs that shaped its early governance and identity. These principles were developed during the American Revolution and enshrined in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Core beliefs included:
These ideals were influenced by thinkers like John Locke, who argued for natural rights and limited government.
The Declaration of Independence (1776) explicitly states that governments derive their power from the people and that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that violates their rights.
Historical context:
In short, America was based on liberal democratic ideals — equality, individual rights, and a representative government — which have been tested and reinterpreted over time. As historian Brian Knappenberger notes in The American Experiment, these founding principles are “clearly ongoing,” still guiding debates about governance and rights today.
There is more to mention on this day of celebration, which we will cover in the next blogs.
A nation becomes great when the citizens establish the right kind of institutions such as homes, churches, schools, and businesses. All of these institutions have contributed to America’s greatness. A nation becomes great when the citizens are righteous. America was not founded on Christian standards, but was founded on a set of political, philosophical, and ideological beliefs that shaped its early governance and identity. These principles were developed during the American Revolution and enshrined in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Core beliefs included:
· Equality of all people — all individuals, regardless of European, Native American, or African heritage, were created equal.
· Fundamental rights — liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, and the right to peaceful assembly.
· Self-governance — the people have the right to govern themselves and resist tyranny.
· Popular sovereignty — government authority comes from the consent of the governed.
These ideals were influenced by thinkers like John Locke, who argued for natural rights and limited government.
The Declaration of Independence (1776) explicitly states that governments derive their power from the people and that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that violates their rights.
Historical context:
· The American Revolution (1775–1783) was fought to break from British rule and establish a new republic based on these principles.
· The U.S. Constitution (1787) formalized a federal system of government with checks and balances, designed to protect individual liberties and prevent tyranny.
· The Bill of Rights (1791) further codified protections for civil liberties.
In short, America was based on liberal democratic ideals — equality, individual rights, and a representative government — which have been tested and reinterpreted over time. As historian Brian Knappenberger notes in The American Experiment, these founding principles are “clearly ongoing,” still guiding debates about governance and rights today.
There is more to mention on this day of celebration, which we will cover in the next blogs.