Final answer:
Three ideas that influenced the Founders and are still present in the US political and economic system are separation of powers, individual rights, and republicanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three ideas that greatly influenced the Founders and are still present in the US political and economic system today are:
- Separation of Powers: This idea, championed by Montesquieu, emphasizes dividing the government into three branches to prevent the concentration of power. It is present in the US today through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
- Individual Rights: Inspired by John Locke, the idea of protecting individual rights is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. It guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, among others, still influencing the US political system.
- Republicanism: Drawing from the works of Cicero and other republics, the Founders embraced the concept of representative government. Today, the US remains a republic, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.