Final answer:
The founders of the United States created a government by drawing on Enlightenment values, engaging in compromise, and addressing practical necessities despite their diverse viewpoints. They incorporated Enlightenment philosophies and established a system with checks and balances to prevent concentrated power, leading to a government that has evolved yet remained true to its original principles for over two centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creation of the United States Government
The founders of the United States managed to create a government despite their differing viewpoints by engaging in vigorous debate and compromise. Fundamental to their success was their shared commitment to Enlightenment values such as liberty, equality, and justice, which provided a common ground for discussion. Drawing inspiration from philosophers like Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau, and prompted by the practical needs of a new nation, they outlined a government that balanced the principles of liberty with the order and equality necessary for a functioning society. James Madison's observation, 'If men were angels, governments would not be necessary' (Federalist 51), encapsulates the pragmatic view that while ideals are paramount, the realities of human nature require a structured government.
The framers of the Constitution understood the necessity of creating a system capable of managing conflicts and ensuring the welfare of the people. The separation of powers, a concept advocated by Baron de Montesquieu, became a key feature of the United States government to prevent concentrated power and ensure mutual checks and balances. Through a series of compromises, philosophical ideals, and practical considerations, the diverse group of individuals at the Constitutional Convention laid down the foundations for a government that would evolve over 200 years yet remain faithful to its original framework defined by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.