Why did early American political leaders want to ensure they had a combination of democratic and republican structures in the U.S. government?(1 point)
Responses
They believed it was important to allow people some voice in their government, but wanted to ensure the right people maintained power
They believed it was important to allow people some voice in their government, but wanted to ensure the right people maintained power
They did not want to allow the American people the opportunity to participate in the government at all.
They did not want to allow the American people the opportunity to participate in the government at all.
Enlightenment thinkers had warned them against using only one of those forms of government alone
Enlightenment thinkers had warned them against using only one of those forms of government alone
They could not decide whether the Greeks or the Romans had done a better job with their government and used both.
The correct answer is: Enlightenment thinkers had warned them against using only one of those forms of government alone.
Early American political leaders wanted to ensure a combination of democratic and republican structures in the U.S. government because they were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who believed in the separation of powers and checks and balances. They recognized the dangers of having too much power concentrated in one branch or in the hands of a few individuals, and thus sought to create a government that would prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties. By combining elements of democracy and republicanism, they aimed to balance popular representation with the need for experienced and qualified individuals to govern.