Where did the founders commitment to freedom originate?

The founders' commitment to freedom originated from Enlightenment ideals, which emphasized individual rights, reason, and the social contract. Influential thinkers like john Locke argued for natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, shaping the belief that government should protect these rights. Their experiences with British colonial rule also fueled a desire for self-governance and liberty from oppressive authority. This combination of philosophical thought and practical experience laid the groundwork for the values enshrined in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.