In 1-2 sentences, discuss the motive for the U.S. founders to focus on Montesquieu's and Rousseau's ideas as a basis for their new governmental foundations.
The U.S. founders were motivated to focus on Montesquieu's and Rousseau's ideas because they believed in the separation of powers and the social contract theory, which shaped their vision for a democratic government with checks and balances and a commitment to the rights and freedoms of individuals.
The U.S. founders were influenced by Montesquieu's ideas of separation of powers and checks and balances, and Rousseau's concept of popular sovereignty, as they sought to establish a government that would prevent tyrannical rule and ensure the voice of the people in decision-making.
The U.S. founders were motivated to focus on Montesquieu's ideas of separation of powers and Rousseau's ideas of popular sovereignty because they believed these principles would safeguard against tyranny and ensure a government that had the consent of the governed.
To find this answer, I used my knowledge of history to understand the context of the U.S. founding period and the influence of Montesquieu and Rousseau on the founders' political thought. I also analyzed the key concepts in Montesquieu's writings, such as the separation of powers, and Rousseau's ideas on popular sovereignty.