Final answer:
The influences on the U.S. Constitution include the Enlightenment concept of government by consent, studies of early republics, state constitutions advocating for three branches of government, the system of checks and balances, and the establishment of a Supreme Court.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the influences on the U.S. Constitution, particularly the aspects that shaped the system of government laid out in the document, we must consider a variety of factors:
- The Enlightenment concept of power deriving from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of a government reflective of the citizens' will.
- Examination of earlier republics that provided models for structuring government and informed the separation of powers among the branches.
- Insights drawn from various state constitutions, which advocated for the idea of three separate branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
- The innovative system of checks and balances, ensuring that no one branch could dominate the others, a principle that can be seen in actions like a presidential veto or a Congressional override.
- The inclusion of a Supreme Court with the authority to interpret laws and check the actions of the other two branches, thereby maintaining the balance of power.
These five influences melded to form a strong foundation for the U.S. Constitution, creating a durable framework that has guided the governance of the nation for over two centuries.