GOVT 421
SHORT PAPER: OUR CONSTITUTIONAL HERITAGE ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to research and reflect on the historical
tradition the Founding Fathers rooted themselves in when writing our founding documents. The
Founding Fathers did not invent democracy; rather, they drew upon a long history of democratic
thought dating back to Ancient Greece. You’ll have the opportunity to explain the historical
influences on the American Founding in this assignment.
James McClellan begins Liberty, Order, and Justice with the following words: “The American
Constitution is an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary document.” For this paper, provide an
explanation of that statement. Discuss the historical traditions in which the American founders
grounded themselves.
Your paper must address the following 4 major questions (McClellan will help you on the first
two questions, Lutz on question 3, and then both authors will help you with question four):
1. What did the Greco-Roman tradition contribute to the American constitutional
system?
2. What did the English common-law tradition contribute to the American
constitutional system?
3. How did the American constitutional system itself specifically develop from a
covenant, to a charter, to a constitutional system?
4. What are the specific, major political ideas of the Founding Fathers as a
consequence of being rooted in this tradition?
Be sure to refer to the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, the Mayflower Compact, and the
Fundamental Order of Connecticut, among others, in your answer.
INSTRUCTIONS
The specific short paper assignment instructions are the following:
Length of assignment: 2-3 pages in addition to the following: title page and reference
section.
Format of assignment: latest edition of APA.
Number of citations: at least three scholarly sources
Acceptable sources: scholarly articles, published books, course texts, and the Bible.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
Cover Page
I. Greco-Roman tradition contribution
A. The Greco-Roman tradition has played an instrumental role in influencing the
constitution.
B. One of the major themes borrowed from the Greco-Roman tradition is the
separation of power.
C. Articles I, II, and III highlight the federal government's three arms. Which is an
aspect that was borrowed.
D. Classical Education also influenced America.
E. Thomas Jefferson was conversant in Greek and Latin since he was taught these
languages at a young age
F. In Franklin's Autobiography, he mentions well-renowned figures such as Cicero
and Cato.
G. In his work The Laws, Plato also calls for a mixed government.
H. In Article III, Section 4, it is vital to note that the American constitution notes that
every American citizen is guaranteed a republican form of government which
Plato and Aristotle talked about.
II. Contribution of the English common-law tradition
A. The English common law contributed significantly towards the development of
the constitution.
B. To be precise, the Magna Carta influence not only the U.S constitution but also
other states' constitutions
C. Most state constitutions included rights that could benefit individuals from the
state government
D. Through the Magna Carta, the citizenry is guaranteed personal rights.
III. Covenant, to a charter, to a constitutional system?
A. Biblical principles are employed in our constitution.
B. Essentially, the constitution is a civil covenant employed to solve issues facing
our political systems.
C. Prior to the writing of the constitution, the U.S employed Charters of Freedom/
Articles of Confederation.
IV. Major political ideas of the Founding Fathers
A. Our Founding Fathers supported the idea of limited government and individual
responsibility.
B. Through these values, there would be a future generation that was not only happy
but prospered.
C. It is vital to note that our founders were influenced heavily by republicanism and
Locke.
D. Thomas Jefferson noted that the final sanction was laws instead of men.
E. Our founding fathers did not on how various bodies of government were related.
F. Additionally, they did not address various issues that society faces, such as
unemployment, among other challenges.
G. The founding fathers ensured that they created a government driven by values.
H. Some values include equality, liberty, and justice
I. Through the efforts of the founding fathers, the U.S has been able to become a
democratic nation.
V. References
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Discussion Questions
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
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Greco-Roman tradition contribution
The Greco-Roman tradition has played an instrumental role in influencing the
constitution. The founding fathers employed the Greco-Roman tradition and enlightenment
philosophy. It is vital to note that Greco-Roman history and literature comprise a considerable
percentage of the education system in the U.S. One of the major themes borrowed from the
Greco-Roman tradition is the separation of power. Essentially, our founding fathers borrowed
this aspect when drafting the constitution. Plato (c. 427-328 BC) noted that having mixed
governments was essential (Richwagen, 2016). In The Republic, one of his works, he highlighted
the advantages and drawbacks of this system.
Articles I, II, and III highlight the federal government's three arms. Which is an aspect
that was borrowed. Classical Education also influenced America. Thomas Jefferson was
conversant in Greek and Latin since he was taught these languages at a young age (Richwagen,
2016). Essentially, he wrote the Declaration of Independence. In Franklin's Autobiography, he
mentions well-renowned figures such as Cicero and Cato. In his work The Laws, Plato also calls
for a mixed government. In Article III, Section 4, it is vital to note that the American constitution
notes that every American citizen is guaranteed a republican form of government which Plato
and Aristotle talked about.
Contribution of the English common-law tradition
The English common law contributed significantly towards the development of the
constitution. To be precise, the Magna Carta influence not only the U.S constitution but also
other states' constitutions (Library of Congress, 2022). The Magna Carta signified a reassertion
that the citizenry would be offered protection against an oppressive ruler. Most state
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constitutions included rights that could benefit individuals from the state government (Library of
Congress, 2022). It is vital to note that the U.S ended up implementing the Bill of rights due to
this conviction. The state declarations of rights and the Bill of rights originated from the Magna
Carta. Some of the rights put in place include an individual being cushioned against unlawful
searches, liberty, and the right to a speedy trial, among other fundamental rights. Some
constitutional principles can also trace their origin to the Magna Carta. One of the major ones is
the idea of a supreme law, among others. Through the Magna Carta, the citizenry is guaranteed
personal rights.
Covenant, to a charter, to a constitutional system?
Biblical principles are employed in our constitution. Essentially, the constitution is a civil
covenant employed to solve issues facing our political systems. It is vital to note that civil rights
can be interpreted as gifts from God. The citizenry is urged on the importance of being just and
fair to other people through biblical teaching. Prior to the writing of the constitution, the U.S
employed Charters of Freedom/ Articles of Confederation. Articles of Confederation were weak;
therefore, changes were needed. After the revolution, there was a need to strengthen the federal
government. Charters can be seen as the first forms of a constitution in the U.S.
Major political ideas of the Founding Fathers
Our Founding Fathers supported the idea of limited government and individual
responsibility; through these values, there would be a future generation that was not only happy
but prospered. It is vital to note that our founders were influenced heavily by republicanism and
Locke. Thomas Jefferson noted that the final sanction was laws instead of men. Our founding
fathers did not on how various bodies of government were related. Additionally, they did not
4
address various issues that society faces, such as unemployment, among other challenges. The
founding fathers ensured that they created a government driven by values. Some values include
equality, liberty, and justice (U.S History, 2022). Through the efforts of the founding fathers, the
U.S has been able to become a democratic nation.
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References
Library of Congress. (2022). Magna Carta: Muse and Mentor Magna Carta and the U.S.
Constitution. https://loc.gov/exhibits/magna-carta-muse-and-mentor/magna-carta-and-the-us-
constitution.html
Richwagen, N. (2016). Classical Influence in American
Government. https://seventhcoalition.org/2016/09/30/classical-western-influence-in-american-
government/#_ftn20
U.S History. (2022). 2. Foundations of American
Government. https://www.ushistory.org/gov/2.asp
