Following colonial rule under the British there was a strong sentiment within the colonial elite to support enlightenment ideals of democracy and representation of the people by the people. Because of popular support among the people and the people at large they sought to construct a new government based on the principles of democracy. However, at this time there were many anti-democratic forces that persisted in society such as racism and patriarchy that prevented the enfranchisement and equality of African American's and women.
