How do you think the founding fathers were influenced by the enlightenment?

The Enlightenment introduced the ideas of sovereignty and separation of powers which created the basis of what our government would eventually be based on and opened the eyes of our founding fathers. The founding fathers referenced many important enlightenment philosophers in the documents they created (The declaration of Independence, Constitution, etc.) showing that their words had a great impact on pushing them towards separation from Great Britain. The enlightenment also helped in the creation of our checks and balances system and aided in the Stamp Act. 

On the afternoon of april 30, 1789,george washington  stepped out onto the balcony of federal hall in lower manhattan to take the oath as the  first president of the united states.