What attitudes towards government and authority did 18th century Americans most commonly display?

Eighteenth-century Americans often exhibited a mix of skepticism and distrust toward government and authority, shaped by their experiences under British rule. Many valued individual rights and self-governance, leading to a strong emphasis on liberty and resistance to perceived tyranny. Enlightenment ideas fostered a belief in reason and democracy, encouraging the notion that government should be accountable to the people. This period ultimately laid the groundwork for revolutionary sentiments and the push for independence.