Examples Of Democratizing Freedom
Democratizing freedom took place in many stages and it involved many different classes. The Declaration of Independence’s accretion that “all men are created equal” created a radical principle, of which the full implication could not be understood, but American freedom became liked with the idea of equality. This idea of equality clashed however with the inequality left behind by the colonial social order. As time progressed democratization of freedom became dramatic for free white men, allowing them to become more involved in the political realm than ever before. Individuals from every class, from farmer to laborers, to the militia, all began to engage in politics. However for women and slaves their rights during this democratization of freedom
remained the same.
However democratization of freedom faced some opposition in Pennsylvania where prewar elite opposed independence. This caused a pro-British pro-independence split where the pro British consisted of the elite, and the pro-independence consisted of artisan and lower class citizens. Eventually Pennsylvania adopted a new state constitution that sought to institutionalize democracy be creating a one-house legislature, allowing tax paying men to vote, and abolishing the office of governor. This movement caused other states to write new constitutions, and all agreed to be republics. There was a split however over the one house legislature of John Adams’ two house legislature.
Democratizing freedom also mean addressing individuals rights to vote. By the 1780s a large majority of the adult white male population could meet voting requirements. The only exceptions to this were Virginia, Maryland, and New York. It wasn’t until 1807 that some women, mostly property owning widows, could vote. So in summary Democratizing freedom was a long process that involved many classes of citizens in order to form governments that would function for the people.
2. How did Thomas Jefferson view religious liberty?
remained the same.
However democratization of freedom faced some opposition in Pennsylvania where prewar elite opposed independence. This caused a pro-British pro-independence split where the pro British consisted of the elite, and the pro-independence consisted of artisan and lower class citizens. Eventually Pennsylvania adopted a new state constitution that sought to institutionalize democracy be creating a one-house legislature, allowing tax paying men to vote, and abolishing the office of governor. This movement caused other states to write new constitutions, and all agreed to be republics. There was a split however over the one house legislature of John Adams’ two house legislature.
Democratizing freedom also mean addressing individuals rights to vote. By the 1780s a large majority of the adult white male population could meet voting requirements. The only exceptions to this were Virginia, Maryland, and New York. It wasn’t until 1807 that some women, mostly property owning widows, could vote. So in summary Democratizing freedom was a long process that involved many classes of citizens in order to form governments that would function for the people.
2. How did Thomas Jefferson view religious liberty?