Ideas Behind The Constitution

Why it matters The delegates to the Constitutional Convention who gathered in Philadelphia were greatly influenced by past experiments with democracy and natural rights. As they debated the new document for American government, the Founders considered a variety of past political ideas.

Ancient Rome Framers of the Constitution looked to Rome as a model Romans had a republic (a government in which citizens rule themselves through elected representatives) American leaders admired the independent thinking and willingness to serve in a public office They feared Rome’s fate (ending in a dictatorship)

Two Historic Documents The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights created the English tradition of liberty The following principles found in those documents became apart of the American government

Citizens have rights which the government must protect Even the head of the government must obey the law Taxes cannot be raised without the consent of the people Elections should be held frequently People accused of crimes have the right to trial by jury and the right of habeas corpus People have the right to private property

Teachings of the Enlightenment The framers were also influenced by European Enlightenment thinkers

John Locke In his book Two Treatises on Government he declared that every individual has natural rights to life, liberty, and property Locke said government was an agreement between the ruler and the ruled. He argued if the ruler violates the people’s natural rights, the people have the right to rebel

Baron De Montesquieu Was a French thinker that suggested separation of powers Concept was designed to keep one person from becoming to powerful

Representative Traditions and the Declaration of Independence Americans enjoyed a long tradition of representative government i.e. the Virginia House of Burgesses The Framers of the Constitution looked at the traditions of the colonial charters and the grievances Thomas Jefferson had listed in the DOI They sought to prevent similar abuses in the new government