Patriots during the American Revolution were characterized by which belief set?

• A. Believed in Complete Independence from Britain; Inspired by Locke, Paine, and Henry; Provided Troops for the American Army Led by George Washington
• B. Remained Loyal to Britain Due to Cultural Ties
• C. Supported Taxation to Fund Troops
• D. Sought to Restore a Monarchy in the Colonies

Answer: (A)

Patriots were driven by the belief that the colonies should be independent from Britain and govern themselves. They drew on Enlightenment ideas of natural rights and government by consent, arguing that a government that infringes rights or tax without representation loses its legitimacy. Thinkers like John Locke helped them frame rights as inalienable, Thomas Paine’s arguments for independence in Common Sense, and Patrick Henry’s calls for liberty all fueled the move toward self-government. This mindset translated into action, with Patriots organizing and supplying troops for the Continental Army led by George Washington to fight for a new nation. The other options describe Loyalist loyalty, support for taxation under imperial rule, or restoring a monarchy, which stand in opposition to the Patriots’ push for independence and a republican system.