Final answer:
The constitutional government in the United States was influenced by key ideas developed over centuries in England and elsewhere. These ideas include concepts of citizenship, writings of political philosophers of the European Enlightenment, and the study of earlier republics and systems of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constitutional government in the United States was heavily influenced by key ideas developed over centuries in England and elsewhere. One of the major influences was the concept of citizenship, which was not new in the United States but had historic roots. The founders of the United States were also influenced by the writings of political philosophers of the European Enlightenment, whose ideas shaped the foundations of American government.
Additionally, the framers of the United States Constitution drew inspiration from earlier republics and the idea of three branches of government, with a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful. They also incorporated the principle that political power comes from the consent of the governed, as reflected in the opening words of the Constitution: 'We the People.'
Overall, the constitutional government in the United States was shaped by a combination of historical roots, political philosophy, and the study of earlier forms of government and agreements.
The US Constitution was influenced by Enlightenment philosophies and English political history, incorporating ideas such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the consent of the governed into its framework.
The constitutional government in the United States was greatly influenced by intellectual developments and political practices that emerged primarily in England and through the broader European Enlightenment. Key ideas developed during these periods include those on the separation of powers, the system of checks and balances, and the concept of governance based on the consent of the governed.
Historic Influences on the US Constitution
Enlightenment philosophies, particularly those articulated by figures such as John Locke and Montesquieu, were integral to the Framers' vision. Locke's principles regarding life, liberty, and property and government's role in securing these rights were foundational. Montesquieu's advocacy for the separation of powers inspired the US Constitution's distinct division into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The most direct influence came from England's political history. The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights established ideas of due process, limited government, and the concept that no one, not even the king, is above the law. These documents laid the groundwork for the principle of constitutionalism that underlies the US system of governance.
We the People signify the importance of the consent of the governed in the US Constitution, a principle drawn from the Enlightenment and the historic experiments with Republican government.