Natural Rights: The belief in God given inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which cannot be granted or taken away by the government.

Constitutional Sovereignty: The principle that government is subject to the will of the people and derives its enumerated powers from their consent, as defined in the Constitution.

Limited Government: Government power should be restricted to protect individual rights, prevent tyranny, and maintain the rule of law, including minimal interference in the economy beyond enforcing contracts and protecting property rights.

Rule of Law: A system where all individuals, including those in power, are equally subject to the law, ensuring liberty, justice, and fairness for all.

Separation of Powers: Dividing government into branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute power.

Checks and Balances: Mechanisms allowing each branch of government to limit the others, ensuring no single branch becomes dominant, paralleling economic competition in its decentralization.

Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments, allowing for local governance while maintaining national unity.

Republicanism: Government by elected representatives, where citizens participate indirectly in governance through voting.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights: Decisions are made by the majority, but the rights of minorities are protected against the tyranny of the majority.

Private Property: The cornerstone of liberty and economic prosperity, safeguarding individual autonomy and the ability to own, use, and control property free from excessive government interference.

Liberty and Economic Freedom: The freedom to pursue a meaningful life and economic prosperity within the bounds of law and morality, where economic liberty is foundational to individual and political freedom.

Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly: Essential for a free society, enabling the exchange of ideas, public discourse, and peaceful protest.

Religious Freedom: The right to practice one’s religion, or not to practice any, free from government coercion or interference.

Equality Before the Law: All individuals are equal in the eyes of the law, regardless of status, wealth, or background.

Virtue, Responsibility, and Work Ethic: A thriving republic and economy depend on virtuous, educated citizens who uphold personal accountability, self-reliance, and a strong work ethic.

The Consent of the Governed: Government legitimacy comes from the people’s agreement, either directly or through their representatives.

The Right to Alter or Abolish Government: If government becomes destructive to these ends, the people have the right to change or overthrow it.

The Pursuit of Happiness: A broad interpretation that includes personal fulfillment, property ownership, virtue, and contributing to the common good.

Peace and Stability Through Strength: A strong economy based on free-market capitalism, a well-equipped and disciplined military, and the people’s right to keep and bear arms work together to secure peace and stability.

The Importance of a Moral Society: For these principles to function, society must uphold certain moral standards, often rooted in Judeo-Christian values but not exclusively so.

The Right to Life: Human life is unique, rare, and sacred. It must be preserved and protected.

Free-Market Capitalism: A system where voluntary exchange, competition, and private enterprise drive economic growth and innovation.

Price Signals and Market Efficiency: Prices, as determined by supply and demand, convey essential information and allocate resources more efficiently than centralized planning.

Fiscal Responsibility: Governments must avoid excessive debt and deficits, ensuring long-term economic stability through balanced budgets and limited spending.

Low Taxes: Taxes should be kept as low as possible to encourage productivity, investment, and individual autonomy.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Economic freedom fosters creativity, risk-taking, and technological advancement, which are essential for prosperity.

Voluntary Exchange: Transactions should be free of coercion, allowing individuals to decide how to spend, save, or invest their resources.

Decentralized Economic Planning: Centralized control of the economy leads to inefficiencies, loss of individual liberty, and potential tyranny.

The Importance of Competition: Competition among businesses drives quality improvements, innovation, and better pricing for consumers.

Meritocracy: Policies should align with human behavior by rewarding productivity and discouraging dependency or inefficiency.

Opposition to Cronyism and Corporate Welfare: Government favoritism toward specific businesses distorts markets and undermines the principles of free competition.

The Value of Savings and Investment: A strong economy is built on long-term investment and savings, fostering growth and resilience.

The Importance of Trade: Free trade promotes international cooperation, increases access to goods and services, and enhances economic growth.

Education: The importance of an educated populace for maintaining a republic and fostering innovation, as emphasized by Jefferson and others.

The Role of Cultural Values in Economics: Economic systems are influenced by cultural and moral values, emphasizing the need for a virtuous, disciplined society to sustain long-term prosperity.