Final answer:
The American government differentiated itself from British governance by establishing a republic that emphasized Enlightenment ideas and separated powers between branches of government. The Articles of Confederation initially highlighted state power, but were replaced by the U.S. Constitution, which created a stronger federal system with a bicameral legislature, judiciary, and executive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The makeup of the United States government differed significantly from the British government from which it declared independence. The founders of America blended Enlightenment ideas with practical examples of governance from other societies to formulate a government that was a republic and not a monarchy. Concepts from thinkers such as John Locke, advocating for natural rights, and Baron de Montesquieu, proposing the separation of powers, were influential.
The first national government under the Articles of Confederation stressed state sovereignty and had a unicameral legislature, with no national judiciary or executive. To address the deficiencies of the Articles, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 created a stronger federal government with a bicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and a separate executive branch.
Despite their English heritage which instilled a pride in traditions of limited government, many Americans felt that the British government had violated their rights. This led to the separation from British influence and the creation of a government that limited power and aimed to safeguard the 'general will' of the people. The resulting government was a unique American take on mixed government, with checks and balances to prevent concentration of power.