Which document influenced the U.S. Constitution?

The document that significantly influenced the U.S. Constitution is the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal document, authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, laid the philosophical foundations for American democracy. It articulated essential principles such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and it underscored the concept of government deriving its power from the consent of the governed.

This influence is particularly evident in the Constitution's structure and the Bill of Rights, which encapsulate the ideals of individual rights and governmental responsibility outlined in the Declaration. The fundamental belief that all men are created equal served as a cornerstone for the Constitution, guiding the framers in their design of a government intended to protect these rights.

Other documents, like The Federalist Papers, The Articles of Confederation, and The Magna Carta, played important roles in the development of American governance, but the Declaration of Independence stands out as the inspirational document that delineated the values and beliefs that the Constitution would aim to safeguard and promote.