Final answer:
The Iroquois Confederacy inspired the writers of the U.S. Constitution with their system of checks and balances, separation of powers, and a council system balancing representation among tribes. This fact is acknowledged by the U.S. Congress and historical figures like Benjamin Franklin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Iroquois Confederacy had a significant influence on the writers of the United States Constitution, providing a model for democratic governance and ideas about unification and collaboration among separate states. Historical documents and the acknowledgment of key figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin show a respect for the political system developed by the Iroquois Confederacy. These democratic principles, such as checks and balances, separation of powers, and a council system that balanced representation among the member tribes, impressed the future Americans and influenced the Constitutional framework.
Benjamin Franklin, in particular, explicitly acknowledged the inspiration from the Iroquois Confederacy in his correspondence. Moreover, the United States Congress in 1988 passed the 100th Congress Concurrent Resolution 331, recognizing the contribution of the Iroquois Confederacy to the development of the U.S. Constitution. Thus, the correct answer is that the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the writers' ideas about democracy and government, the second option provided.