1.Rule of Law

-All men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with

certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the

pursuit of Happiness (D of I)

-Law can only prohibit such actions as are hurtful to society. Nothing

may be prevented which is not forbidden by law, and no one may be

forced to do anything not provided for the law. (D of the R)

-As all persons are held innocent until they shall have been declared

guilty, if arrest shall be deemed indispensable, all harshness not

essential to the securing of the prisoner’s person shall be severely

repressed by law. (D of the R)

2.Economic Freedom

-A common contribution is essential for the maintenance of the public

forces and for the cost of administration. This should be equal

distributed among all the citizens in proportion to their means. (D of

the R)

3.Private Property

-Since property is an inviolable and sacred right, no one shall be

deprived thereof except where public necessity, legally

determined, shall clearly demand it, and then only on condition

that the owner shall have been previously and equitably

indemnified. (D of the R)

4.Competition/Self Interest

-All the citizens have a right to decide, either personally of by

their representatives, as to the necessity of the public

contribution; to grant this freely; to know to what uses it is put;

and to fix the proportion, the mode of assessment and of

collection and the duration of the taxes. (D of the R)

5.Individaul rights and freedoms

-Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. (D of the R)

-That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free

and Independent States (D of I)

-He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing

with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. (D

of I)

The common themes of classical

liberalism in the documents are the fact

that they both demand the factors of

liberalism (Rule of Law, Economic

Freedom, Private Property, Competition/

Self Interest, Individual Rights and

Freedoms). The Declaration of

Independence also has the common

theme that the Crown has not shown any

of the factors of classical liberalism.

Thomas Hobbes- Believed that if a leader did not protect the

citizens, they could overthrow him. He also valued the worth and

protection of individual subjects. Hobbes emphasized the best

interests of individuals and this reflects the importance of rights and

freedoms.

Adam Smith- He believed that if individuals were free to make their

own decisions in a free market, and their self interests would

benefit people as a whole. He opposed mercantilism and a free

market and limited government role in the economy was the way to

go.

John Locke- Advocated for rule of law and protection of civil

liberties, rights and freedoms under a constitution. He focused on

reason and logic to determine peoples actions. He also believed

humans had inalienable natural rights: Life, liberty, security, and

private property.