Dicuss two influences on the development of the U.S. Constitution.
Explain how two of the items you identified influenced the specific content of the Constitution.
http://www.america.gov/st/usg-english/2008/April/20080416002922eaifas0.5097315.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution
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Two key influences on the development of the U.S. Constitution were the Enlightenment philosophy and the experiences and lessons learned from the British colonial system. Let's discuss how these two influences shaped the specific content of the Constitution.
1. Enlightenment philosophy: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in Europe that emphasized reason, individual rights, and the power of human intellect. Founding Fathers of the United States, such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were greatly influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. These ideas made their way into the Constitution in the following ways:
a. Separation of powers: Montesquieu argued for the separation of powers to prevent tyranny. The Constitution reflects this idea through its establishment of three separate branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
b. Individual rights: The Enlightenment emphasized individual rights and freedoms. The U.S. Constitution includes a Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) that guarantees essential individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. These rights were influenced by the Enlightenment belief in the natural rights of individuals.
2. British colonial experiences: The American colonists had first-hand experience with the British colonial system, which strongly influenced their desire for self-governance. The following ways illustrate how this experience shaped the Constitution:
a. Representative democracy: The American colonists were frustrated with the lack of representation and lack of voice in the British Parliament. As a result, they established a representative democracy, wherein citizens would elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This concept is evident in the Constitution, with the establishment of the House of Representatives and the Senate, where members are elected by the people.
b. Limited government and the rule of law: The British monarchy's abuses of power, such as unfair taxation and denial of due process, reinforced the colonists' desire for limited government and the rule of law. To prevent a repeat of such abuses, the U.S. Constitution includes provisions like due process rights, habeas corpus, and limitations on government powers outlined in the Bill of Rights. These measures ensure that the government operates within the confines of the law and protects citizens' fundamental rights.
In summary, the U.S. Constitution was influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, as reflected in the separation of powers and protection of individual rights. It was also shaped by the colonists' experiences with the British colonial system, resulting in a representative democracy and safeguards against governmental abuses. Understanding these influences helps us grasp the underlying principles that shaped the content of the U.S. Constitution.