Influences on the U.S. Constitution

John Locke Political philosopher. Believed that governments existed to protect the rights of people. Life, Liberty, Property. Governments get their power from the people. Political philosopher. Believed that governments existed to protect the rights of people. Life, Liberty, Property. Governments get their power from the people. Influences – natural rights, consent of the governed Influences – natural rights, consent of the governed

Montesquieu Political philosopher. Studied various forms of government and felt the best government had separation of powers and checks and balances Political philosopher. Studied various forms of government and felt the best government had separation of powers and checks and balances Influences – 3 branches of government with checks and balances over each other Influences – 3 branches of government with checks and balances over each other

Hobbes Political philosopher. Believed people were basically evil and that governments were necessary to keep people from killing one another. Introduced the idea of a ‘social contract’ in which people gave up rights for protection Political philosopher. Believed people were basically evil and that governments were necessary to keep people from killing one another. Introduced the idea of a ‘social contract’ in which people gave up rights for protection Influences – Social Contract – government is an agreement between the people Influences – Social Contract – government is an agreement between the people

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Document that laid out the structure of government in Connecticut. Considered first Constitution. Document that laid out the structure of government in Connecticut. Considered first Constitution. Influences – other state Const. modeled off of it. Free elections, branches, protection of rights Influences – other state Const. modeled off of it. Free elections, branches, protection of rights

Magna Carta English document signed by King James in First document to place limits on the power of the king and to protect rights of citizens English document signed by King James in First document to place limits on the power of the king and to protect rights of citizens Influences: rule of law – leaders can only do what the Constitution gives them the power to do. Influences: rule of law – leaders can only do what the Constitution gives them the power to do.

English Bill of Rights English document that protected the rights of English citizens English document that protected the rights of English citizens Influences – our Bill of rights: trial by jury, no taxation without representation, no cruel and unusual punishment, etc. Influences – our Bill of rights: trial by jury, no taxation without representation, no cruel and unusual punishment, etc.

Mayflower Compact Document signed by Pilgrims prior to settlement of Plymouth colony. Agreement among settlers that political matters would be discussed and decided upon as they arose. Laid foundation of direct democracy Document signed by Pilgrims prior to settlement of Plymouth colony. Agreement among settlers that political matters would be discussed and decided upon as they arose. Laid foundation of direct democracy Influences: social contract, consent of the governed Influences: social contract, consent of the governed