Skip to content

What Are the 28 Principles?

The 28 Principles of Good Government are timeless ideas that inspired America’s Founding Fathers as they established a nation built on liberty, justice, and self-government. These principles teach that freedom flourishes when individuals, families, and communities embrace moral responsibility, limited government, and respect for God-given rights. They provide a framework for understanding not only how America was founded, but also how free societies can continue to prosper.

The 28 Principles

  1. Good Government is Based on God’s Laws
  2. A Nation of True and Honest People Will Stay Free and Happy
  3. To Stay Free, Good and Wise Leaders Should Be Elected
  4. Religious Liberty Preserves Freedom
  5. “In God We Trust”
  6. All Men Are Created Equal
  7. Government Should Protect Rights, Not Provide Everything
  8. Our Rights Come from God
  9. God’s Laws Protect Our Rights
  10. The People Hold the Right to Govern
  11. Tyrannical Governments Can Be Replaced
  12. The United States is a Republic
  13. The Constitution Places Limits on Government
  14. People Have the Right to Own Property
  15. Free Enterprise Creates Prosperity
  16. The Constitution Divides Government into Three Branches
  17. Checks and Balances Protect Freedom
  18. A Written Constitution Preserves Liberty
  19. Government Should Have Limited Powers
  20. Majority Rule Must Protect Minority Rights
  21. Self-Government is the Key to Freedom
  22. The Rule of Law Preserves Liberty
  23. Freedom Requires Education
  24. A Free Nation Must Remain Strong
  25. America Was Established as a Nation of Peace
  26. Government Should Protect Families
  27. Debt Threatens Freedom
  28. The Constitution Can Bless the Whole World

Who Are These Principles For?

Everyone!

Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, community leader, or simply someone who wants to better understand America’s founding, these principles offer valuable insights into the responsibilities of citizenship and the blessings of liberty.

They are especially meaningful for:

  • Families studying together at home
  • Homeschool and private school students
  • Teachers and youth leaders
  • Constitution and civics enthusiasts
  • Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the principles that have influenced America’s system of government

These ideas are not just about history—they encourage thoughtful discussion about character, responsibility, and the role each of us plays in preserving freedom.

How Can I Learn More?

If you’d like to explore each principle in greater depth, The 5,000 Year Leap for Families provides easy-to-understand lessons, engaging activities, discussion questions, and a companion workbook to help individuals and families study these foundational principles together. It is designed primarily for families with children but is valuable for learners of all ages.

Purchase your copy today and begin discovering the principles that helped shape one of the world’s greatest experiments in liberty.