Final answer:
The US government's foundation is heavily influenced by European documents, particularly those from England like the Magna Carta, which introduced limited government. Enlightenment philosophies also played a vital role in shaping American governance, framing the Constitution on the principle of the consent of the governed and the balance of powers among the branches of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence of European documents on the US government is quite significant, particularly those originating from the English political system. The Magna Carta, a seminal piece of 1215, introduced the concept of limited government, indicating that a monarch's rule was not absolute. This idea carried through to the American founders, who were deeply knowledgeable about the Enlightenment philosophes and their philosophies on government and individual rights.
During the drafting of the United States Constitution, these Enlightenment concepts became woven into the very fabric of American governance. The principle that 'We the People' are the source of political power reflects the Enlightenment assertion that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Framers of the Constitution also drew upon earlier models of republics and state constitutions to establish a system of three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—with checks and balances to ensure no single branch would overpower the others.
Influential English documents like the Magna Carta, along with the collective understanding of philosophies advocating for the rights of citizens and limitations on government power, were fundamental to shaping the government system adopted by the US. The founders' extensive studies and appreciation for these works have left a lasting legacy in American political structure and ideology.