Simone Lawson
The framers of the US Constitution were influenced by various historical documents, political philosophies, and Enlightenment thinkers. The 55 framers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, sought to address the challenges facing the nation and establish foundational principles. They drew on the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the writings of John Locke, an Englishman who redefined the nature of government, to shape their vision of a government with separated powers and protected rights and liberties. The framers also considered the experiences of the American Revolution, the need for a stronger national government, and the principles of freedom of speech, due process, and equal protection under the law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Writings and ideas from European writers | People's votes |
| Previous constitutions | Magna Carta |
| Customs and conventions | Charters of the Virginia Company of London |
| Opinions of political and constitutional writers | Virginia Declaration of Rights |
| Decisions of a constituent assembly | Declaration of Independence |
| Judicial precedents | Articles of Confederation |
| Historical documents | Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom |
| Enlightenment thinkers | John Locke's ideas on the nature of government |
| Personal experiences | The Constitution of Louisiana |
| The Constitution drawn by the Convention of 1833 |
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What You'll Learn
The influence of John Locke
The framers of the American Constitution were visionaries who sought to address the challenges facing the nation during their lifetimes while also establishing foundational principles that would guide the new nation into the future. While there were 55 framers, notable delegates included George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, Edmond Randolph, and Roger Sherman. The Constitution reflects their vision, defining fundamental freedoms and governmental powers in general terms.
One of the key influences on the framers was the English philosopher John Locke, whose works lie at the foundation of modern philosophical empiricism and political liberalism. Locke's ideas had a profound impact on the design of the US government and the principles outlined in the Constitution. Locke's most famous works include "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1689) and "Two Treatises of Government" (1690). In these writings, Locke developed a theory of ideas and argued that all knowledge, including moral knowledge, is derived from experience rather than being innate. He also refuted the theory of the divine right of kings, asserting that all individuals are endowed with natural rights.
Locke's commitment to a law of nature, or a natural moral law that underpins human conduct, was a fundamental aspect of his philosophy. This idea influenced the framers' understanding of natural rights and freedoms, which are enshrined in the Constitution. Locke's philosophy also shaped the framers' views on the role of government, which they saw as deriving its authority from the consent of the governed. This concept of government by the people and for the people is a key principle in the US Constitution.
In addition to his writings, Locke's influence can also be seen in the countless speeches and writings of the Founding Fathers. For example, the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress, written two years before the Declaration of Independence, closely echoes Locke's belief that individuals are "entitled to life, liberty, and property." Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, was also heavily influenced by Locke's writings, particularly "A Letter Concerning Toleration" and the "Second Treatise of Government."
Locke's ideas on natural rights and his justification of revolt were also significant influences on the American Revolution and the subsequent creation of the Constitution. Locke's philosophy provided a theoretical framework for the colonists' grievances against the British Crown and their assertion of their right to self-governance. Thus, Locke's thought was a crucial influence on the framers of the Constitution, shaping their understanding of individual rights, the role of government, and the importance of consent in the formation of a just political order.
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Enlightenment thinkers
The Founding Fathers were profoundly influenced by Enlightenment ideas, which shaped the ideological and structural framework of American governance. The Enlightenment thinkers' commitment to reason, justice, and the intrinsic rights of individuals helped create a resilient republic grounded in the ideals of liberty and equality. This legacy continues to define the trajectory of American democracy.
One of the most notable Enlightenment thinkers to influence the Framers was John Locke, whose theory of natural rights held that individuals are born with inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, drew heavily from Locke's theories, asserting that all men are endowed with "unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." The Declaration's emphasis on the consent of the governed and the right to alter or abolish destructive governments was also directly inspired by Locke's social contract theory.
Another influential Enlightenment thinker was Montesquieu, who suggested dividing government authority among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This idea became a cornerstone of American political philosophy, influencing the Framers to create the system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties. James Madison, often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," was significantly influenced by Montesquieu's concept of separation of powers.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was another Enlightenment thinker who advocated for direct democracy, where laws are made directly by the vote of all. In "The Social Contract," Rousseau proposed that true political authority lies with the people and that government should reflect the general will. While the Founding Fathers did not fully embrace direct democracy, Rousseau's ideas about the importance of the collective will and civic freedom influenced American political ideology, emphasizing a government that serves its people.
The concept of mixed government, combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, was also heavily advocated by Enlightenment thinkers. This idea influenced the creation of a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Constitution, balancing the strengths and mitigating the weaknesses of each system.
Other Enlightenment principles that influenced the Framers included popular sovereignty, the Rule of Law, and economic freedom. Popular sovereignty, a fundamental pillar of Enlightenment thought, asserts that ultimate power rests not with a monarch but with the people themselves. The Rule of Law, as embodied in the Constitution, reflects the Enlightenment ideal of a just society governed by established and transparent laws. Finally, the economic freedom advocated by Adam Smith in "The Wealth of Nations" laid the groundwork for principles that shaped America's economic landscape, emphasizing the protection of property rights and contractual obligations.
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Personal experiences
The personal experiences of the framers of the US Constitution were varied and influenced by their backgrounds and the political climate of the time. Many of the framers were highly educated, having attended university, and some had served as governors. The framers ranged in age from 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton to 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin, who was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair.
The framers' personal experiences were also shaped by their participation in the American Revolution, where they fought against oppressive laws and the lack of direct representation imposed by the British government. This influenced their desire for a government that represented the people and avoided the concentration of power in a single figure, such as the British King. They sought to create a federal republic with checks and balances to prevent tyranny and ensure accountability.
Additionally, the framers' experiences under the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States ratified in 1781, played a significant role in shaping their views. The Articles established a weak national government that lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, leading to financial instability and governance difficulties. This experience highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, resulting in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Shays' Rebellion, a protest against economic injustices due to weak federal response, further reinforced the framers' belief in the necessity of a more robust governing framework.
The framers were also influenced by their interactions with each other and the compromises they made during the Constitutional Convention. They represented diverse interests and views, and their debates reflected the complexity of the issues at hand, such as congressional representation and slavery. The framers' personal experiences and perspectives shaped the compromises they forged, including the Three-Fifths Compromise and the agreement to maintain the slave trade until 1808.
In conclusion, the personal experiences of the framers of the US Constitution were diverse and shaped by their education, political philosophies, and participation in historical events such as the American Revolution and the implementation of the Articles of Confederation. Their collective and individual experiences informed their vision for a stronger federal government, checks and balances, and a commitment to representation and individual liberties.
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Historical documents
The US Constitution was influenced by several historical documents, including the writings of European and Enlightenment thinkers. The Framers of the Constitution, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, were guided by the principles of natural law, social contract, religious tolerance, and the right to revolution. They sought to establish a government that protected people's rights without becoming too powerful, drawing on the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, a 17th-century Englishman who redefined the nature of government.
The Magna Carta, the Charters of the Virginia Company of London, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom all had an impact on the Constitution. The Framers were influenced by the idea of a separation of powers, with the Constitution providing for three separate branches of government to prevent one person from having too much authority. This was a direct result of the influence of Enlightenment thought and the understanding that majority rule, while the best system of government, was imperfect.
The Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written in defence of the new Constitution and published in 1787 and 1788, also played a significant role in shaping the Framers' thinking. Additionally, two letters written by George Washington, the noted American Framer and the first President of the United States, were influential in the drafting process. The Framers also drew on previous constitutions, such as the newly adopted Constitution of Louisiana and the constitution drawn by the Convention of 1833.
The Framers recognised that they were creating a framework for a government that would endure for ages, and so they sought to establish foundational principles that would guide the nation into an uncertain future. They defined fundamental freedoms in general terms, such as freedom of speech, due process of law, and equal protection of the laws, while also setting forth governmental powers, such as the power of Congress to regulate commerce among the states. The Framers understood that future generations would need to interpret and adapt these broad principles to changing societal needs.
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Previous constitutions
The US Constitution was heavily influenced by previous constitutions, both ancient and modern. The first constitution of the United States was the Articles of Confederation, which gave the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it had no enforcement powers, could not regulate commerce, and could not print money. The disputes between the states over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade threatened to tear the young country apart, leading to the creation of a new constitution.
The US Constitution was also influenced by the Magna Carta, which became the foundation of English liberty against arbitrary power. The Due Process Clause of the US Constitution was partly based on the Magna Carta. The idea of the separation of powers in the US Constitution was inspired by 18th-century Enlightenment philosophers such as Montesquieu and John Locke. Other political philosophers who influenced the Constitution include Edward Coke and William Blackstone.
The US Constitution has also influenced the constitutions of other nations. For example, President Benito Juarez of Mexico implemented practices like judicial review when introducing more liberal policies into the Mexican constitution, drawing inspiration from the US Constitution's republican and democratic practices. Several Latin American countries followed suit in the 19th and 20th centuries by developing similar constitutions and a federalist framework of government.
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Frequently asked questions
The framers of the Constitution wanted to form a government that did not allow one person to have too much authority or control. They wanted the government to protect people's rights without becoming too powerful.
The framers drew inspiration from various historical documents, customs and conventions, previous constitutions, decisions of a constituent assembly, and judicial precedents. They were influenced by the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and the ideas of European writers and Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.
The framers envisioned that courts should generally defer to the preferences of the majority while also retaining the power to review governmental action to guard against arbitrary or unreasonable decisions.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a gathering of 55 men, now known as the Framers of the Constitution, who were tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they drafted a new constitution that replaced the Articles and established a government with checks and balances to address the shortcomings of the previous framework.
