Philosophical Foundations of Natural Rights
John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau laid the groundwork for American political thought on natural rights.
Locke argued individuals were born with "inalienable" rights to life, liberty, and property. He said humans have the right to protect their lives and shouldn't interfere with others doing the same. Property included a claim to one's own person, efforts, and the results of those efforts.
Thomas Jefferson borrowed from Locke when drafting the Declaration of Independence, swapping "property" with "pursuit of happiness." He defended freedoms against tyranny.
Hobbes saw humans as beings in conflict. He believed in giving up some liberty for security through social contracts.
Rousseau emphasized the "general will" – aligning individual desires with community needs.
The Founding Fathers synthesized these diverse outlooks. Madison balanced these perspectives to protect individual rights while ensuring a solid government.
This mix of philosophies formed the basis for the American experiment in self-governance, aiming to protect individual rights against encroaching powers.

Natural Rights in the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence embodied natural rights as a moral manifesto. Jefferson framed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as inalienable rights no government could legitimately violate.
These "self-evident" truths formed the argument for revolution. Governments derive just powers from the consent of the governed. Any government trampling these rights voided its authority.
Jefferson cataloged how the British monarch had turned governing into tyranny, systematically trampling colonists' natural rights. He argued British rule was incompatible with the inherent rights of the colonists.
The Declaration asserted the colonies' right to be free and independent, grounded in the idea that rights aren't government-issued but inalienable.
It redefined governance by rooting authority in the people whose natural rights precede any government.

Natural Rights and the U.S. Constitution
The Constitution and Bill of Rights transformed philosophical ideas into a governmental framework to protect natural liberties from overreach.
- The First Amendment embodies natural rights concerning conscience, thought, and expression.
- It protects the free exercise of religion, acknowledging spiritual duties precede civil obligations.
- Other amendments introduced practical protections:
- The right to bear arms
- Protection against unreasonable searches
- The right to due process
- Protection against cruel punishment
Each amendment strategically enshrined natural rights into law. The Ninth Amendment states that unlisted rights are still protected, ensuring no natural rights are overlooked.
Some argue against natural law elements in the Constitution. Declining religious influence and civic literacy have led to forgetfulness of these original principles.
Understanding the Founders' intent remains necessary to safeguard "unalienable" rights from misuse by future generations. The Constitution and Bill of Rights continue to defend against governmental encroachment on God-given liberties.
The Founders' Views on Religion and Natural Law
The Founding Fathers believed natural law, as a moral compass from the Almighty, should form the basis of human laws.
James Madison emphasized religion's importance in a free society. He argued morality rooted in religious principles was crucial for just government. While advocating separation of church and state, he believed the republic should be supported by religion's moral compass.1
Alexander Hamilton viewed natural law as a divine decree that human legislation must respect. He argued laws contradicting natural law weren't truly laws.2
George Washington warned that national morality depended on religious principles. He saw religion as essential for civic health, not just a personal choice.3
The Founders viewed the synergy between religion, morality, and law as pragmatic. They believed a shared moral compass prevented societal disorder. Natural law provided this compass and was the test for human laws.
This foundational interplay between religion, morality, and law continues to resonate, though often overshadowed by secular modernity. The concept of natural law in founding documents remains relevant as a defense against tyranny and moral decay.

- Madison J. Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments. 1785.
- Hamilton A. The Farmer Refuted. 1775.
- Washington G. Farewell Address. 1796.