Founding Principles That Still Matter

American flag

Why These Principles?

When our founders signed the Declaration of Independence and later ratified the Constitution, they launched the Great American Experiment — a bold, revolutionary idea that human dignity, freedom, and opportunity could be protected through self-governance. These founding principles created the conditions for the American Dream — and they remain the roadmap to solving today’s biggest challenges.

Americans for Prosperity’s One Small Step initiative brings these principles to life, showing how everyday Americans can take action to defend freedom and expand opportunity — one step at a time.

1

Dignity

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…"
— Declaration of Independence
What It Means Today:
Every person has inherent worth. Our rights come from our Creator—not from government—and no one is born above or below another.
How We Advance It:
We champion policies that treat all individuals with respect and fairness towards equal opportunity – not equal outcomes. We fight policies that divide Americans or favor any one particular group over another.
2

Freedom

"…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights… that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
— Declaration of Independence
What It Means Today:
Power flows from the people to the government—not the other way around. You are free to speak, think, worship, and live your life as you choose.
How We Advance It:
We protect free speech, defend due process, and fight government overreach into your home, beliefs and business.
3

Opportunity

"…that among these [rights] are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
— Declaration of Independence
What It Means Today:
Every person should be free to pursue their version of the good life — to dream, try, fail, and succeed. We call that the American Dream.
How We Advance It:
We remove government barriers that limit innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. We also protect property rights from violations by the government and other people.
4

Rule of Law

"No State shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
— 14th Amendment, Section 1
What It Means Today:
Justice is impartial and applied consistently. Your rights and freedoms don't depend on your wealth, background, or political connections.
How We Advance It:
We challenge cronyism and corruption. We advocate for swift, certain, and fair accountability that ensures every person is treated equally by our legal system.
5

Limited Government

"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined."
— James Madison, Federalist No. 45
What It Means Today:
Government exists to protect our rights—not run our lives. Citizens, not bureaucrats, drive change in America.
How We Advance It:
We empower Americans to take small steps—like signing petitions or meeting lawmakers—that lead to policy reforms that improve our lives.
6

Civic Duty

"The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE."
— Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 22
What It Means Today:
A free society depends on citizens who take responsibility for their lives and communities. Freedom requires participation.
How We Advance It:
We don't wait for government to solve every problem—we step up. AFP trains, equips, and activates grassroots leaders to organize, speak out, vote, meet with lawmakers, and take millions of small steps that shape the direction of our country.
How We Advance It:

We don’t wait for government to solve every problem—we step up. AFP trains, equip, and activate grassroots leaders to organize, speak out, vote, meet with lawmakers, and take millions of small steps that shape the direction of our country.