The purpose of this paper is to identify the ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence. Specifically, you will research and describe the philosophy of government that shapes the Declaration of Independence. You will explore the influence of natural rights, contract theory, religious liberty, and limited government. At the end of this assignment, you should have a deeper understanding of the ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence.

Your paper must address the following 3 questions:

1) What were the main ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence?

2) Based on the Eidsmoe reading, how important were biblical principles?

3) Based on McClellan's discussion of the Declaration of Independence, which political ideas are not found in the Declaration of Independence?