The Political Theory Of The American Founding: ... May 2026

Because individuals are naturally free, just government must be based on the consent of the governed .

West contends that the Founders did not simply mix liberalism, republicanism, and Christianity; they filtered all other traditions through the primary lens of . The Political Theory of the American Founding: ...

West disputes the idea that the Founding was a "blend" of disparate elements. He argues that while the Founders valued common law and Protestantism, they only accepted these insofar as they supported natural rights. ⚖️ The Role of Virtue and Public Policy Because individuals are naturally free, just government must

The doctrine of equality and the laws of nature are the foundational core of their theory. He argues that while the Founders valued common

A major contribution of West’s work is demonstrating how "liberal" rights and "republican" virtue are . The Moral Conditions of Freedom The Founders in Full - Claremont Review of Books