Final answer:
During the Revolutionary Era, Americans held beliefs about government that emphasized the protection of natural rights, the importance of republicanism, a cautious approach to centralized authority, and the idea that government should represent the people. They were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers and their own experiences under British rule, leading to a government that balanced power between state and national frameworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Revolutionary Era, Americans developed a set of beliefs about government that became the foundation of their new nation. The influence of Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke instilled in them the view that the government should protect natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, rather than infringe upon them, as they felt the British monarchy had done. The principles of republicanism were highly regarded, emphasizing that the government should derive its power from the people through their elected representatives. Compromise and debate over the extent of democratic principles to apply were crucial, particularly concerning who should have the right to vote, with initial leanings towards property holders reflecting a bias towards the elite.
Many during this time were wary of a strong centralized government, fearing it could lead to the same tyranny they experienced under British rule. Consequently, states took the lead in forming their own constitutions, which emphasized individual liberties and the separation of powers, encapsulated by Montesquieu's recommendation of dividing government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power. The sentiments of liberty and self-government, founded on long-held political thought, were not new, but the culmination of various ideas that had matured over time and through experience under colonial rule.
The American Constitution and government as we now know them are rooted in these discussions and compromises. While support for a national government was initially reluctant, states like Virginia provided models for balancing governmental authority and protecting citizens' rights, with documents like the Declaration of Rights outlining inherent individual freedoms. Nationalism gradually increased through the Revolutionary War, highlighting the need for a political framework beyond mere patriotism.
Ultimately, American leaders recognized the need for a national government to maintain the peace and uphold the values fought for in the war. Hence, a federal government system emerged, respecting the role of states while establishing a national structure capable of uniting the various regions and interests.