Why it mattersThe delegates to the Constitutional

Convention who gathered in Philadelphia were greatly influenced by past experiments with democracy and natural rights. As they debated the new document for American government, the Founders considered a variety of past political ideas.

Ancient Rome Framers of the

Constitution looked to Rome as a model

Romans had a republic (a government in which citizens rule themselves through elected representatives)

American leaders admired the independent thinking and willingness to serve in a public office

They feared Rome’s fate (ending in a dictatorship)

Two Historic Documents The Magna Carta and the

English Bill of Rights created the English tradition of liberty

The following principles found in those documents became apart of the American government

Citizens have rights which the government must protect

Even the head of the government must obey the law

Taxes cannot be raised without the consent of the people

Elections should be held frequently

People accused of crimes have the right to trial by jury and the right of habeas corpus

People have the right to private property

Teachings of the EnlightenmentThe framers were also influenced by

European Enlightenment thinkers

John LockeIn his book Two Treatises on

Government he declared that every individual has natural rights to life, liberty, and property

Locke said government was an agreement between the ruler and the ruled.

He argued if the ruler violates the people’s natural rights, the people have the right to rebel

Baron De MontesquieuWas a French thinker that

suggested separation of powers

Concept was designed to keep one person from becoming to powerful

Representative Traditions and the Declaration of Independence Americans enjoyed a long tradition of

representative government i.e. the Virginia House of Burgesses

The Framers of the Constitution looked at the traditions of the colonial charters and the grievances Thomas Jefferson had listed in the DOI

They sought to prevent similar abuses in the new government