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
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