Influences Of Puritanism On The Principles Of American Constitution In The 18th Century

The American Constitution in the 18th century is a landmark in the history of world constitution. Though there are some defects in it, the principle of representative democracy, the principle of separation and restriction of power and the principle of limited government established by it are universally followed by other countries in the process of establishing the constitution. These principles have exerted great influence on the constitutionalism of various countries.The establishment of the three principles of the American Constitution resulted from a series of historical factors, among which the influence of Puritanism cannot be ignored. Puritanism was a newly emerging sect in Britain during the period of European religious reform. It claimed to eliminate the residue of Catholicism in Anglicanism. However, it failed and the Puritans were persecuted by the English Government. In order to escape from the persecution and to fulfill their religious ideal, some Puritans emigrated from Britain to North America and prepared to build their own"eternal country". During the process of building their"eternal country", the Puritans, based on the their own religious theory and practice, assimilated advanced thoughts from Europe, cooperated with men of insight in North America, participated in the War of American Independence and finally helped achieve the independence of America. Puritanism has contributed to the founding of America greatly and its thoughts and the Puritans'practice have exerted great influence on the American Constitution.This thesis begins from the three principles of the American Constitution, based on the materials gathered by the author, reveals the relationship between the theory and practice of Puritanism and the American Constitution, and shows how Puritanism has influenced the American Constitution. This thesis firstly illuminates the most basic principle in American Constitution----the principle of representative democracy. It continues to introduce the inner democracy of Puritanism and its democratic practice in North America and to discuss the influence of Puritanism on this principle. Then, this thesis analyzes the inner mechanism of Puritanism, the autonomous practice and unification practice of Puritanism as well as the famous puritan Madison's thoughts and practice, and points out how the Puritans has contributed to the establishment of the principle of separation and restriction of power. In the end, the author introduces the factors of latitudinarianism and the freedom of religion and judicial practice in Puritanism. This thesis proves the influence of Puritanism on the principle of limited government through analyzing the relationship between them.