How did American colonists show that they believed in Enlightenment ideas?

American colonists demonstrated their belief in Enlightenment ideas through their emphasis on reason, individual rights, and self-governance. They rallied around concepts like liberty and equality, which were articulated in influential documents such as the Declaration of Independence. The colonists also established civic institutions and promoted education, reflecting their commitment to rational thought and the pursuit of knowledge. Additionally, Enlightenment thinkers like john Locke inspired their resistance against tyranny and the demand for political representation.