"AMERICAN" EXCEPTIONALISM

We've heard ad nauseum how America is absolutely unique among all the nations that have ever existed by reactionaries who often seem to think that the America of 1885 (or so) represents the peak of human political achievement.   The reality is that there were other humans who played a role in developing the ideas that lead to the founding of America and its Constitution, notably John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu of the Enlightenment.

What is a little surprising is that there were other precursors before the Enlightenment and some of them were English, as Frank Manuel¹ observes:

The tone of the Leveller utopia was communicated in a long-winded preamble to the Agreement of the Free People of England [1649], which for all its differences seems to echo in the Declaration of Independence, framed by a more respectable group of dissident Englishmen more than a century later:

And being earnestly desirous to make a right use of that opportunity God hath given us to make this Nation Free and Happy, to reconcile our differences, and beget a perfect amitie and friendship once more amongst us, that we may stand clear in our consciences before Almighty God, as unbyassed by any corrupt Interest or particular advantages, and manifest to all the world that our indeavours have not proceeded from malice to the persons of any, or enmity against opinions; but in reference to the peace and prosperity of the Common-wealth, and for prevention of like distractions, and removall of all grievances; We the free People of England, to whom God hath given hearts, means and opportunity to effect the same, do with submission to his wisdom, in his name, and desiring the equity thereof may be to his praise and glory; Agree to ascertain our Government, to abolish all arbitrary Power, and to set bounds and limits both to our Supreme, and all Subordinate Authority, and remove all known Grievances.

¹Utopian thought in the Western World / Frank E. Manuel and Fritzie P. Manuel, page 345.