Early Classical Republicanism and Natural Rights Philosophy Influences
When the Framers of The Constitution of the United States of America assembled in Virginia for the Second Congressional Congress, they were undertaking the immeasurable task of creating a form of government that ensured the rights they had fought so hard to win, whilst still maintaining order. The founders looked to the Romans for guidance, a civilization that had granted it’s citizens unprecedented rights. Natural Rights philosophers also created an impression of inalienable rights in the minds of the framers. The Romans of ancient times governed under Classical Republicanism; a system in which stress is placed on civic virtue rather than on personal interest. The Classical Republican system stressed civic virtue and limited rights.