Question

which of the following did all of the first state constitutions have in common?
military rule, separation of power, checks and balances
limited government, absolute power, checks and balances
limited government, separation of power, checks and balances
which of the following is considered to have contributed the most to creating the constitution?
james madison
thomas jefferson
alexander hamilton

Explanation:

• First Question:
• The first state constitutions were a reaction to British rule. They aimed to limit government power (unlike absolute power which was a feature of British monarchy they opposed). Separation of powers (dividing government into branches - legislative, executive, judicial) and checks and balances (each branch having some control over the others) were key principles to prevent tyranny. Military rule was not a common feature as they were civilian - led governments.
• Second Question:
• James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution". He took detailed notes at the Constitutional Convention, was a key advocate for a strong federal government with a balanced system of powers, and played a crucial role in drafting and promoting the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was in France during most of the Constitutional Convention (1787) and his main contributions were more in the realm of the Declaration of Independence and earlier revolutionary thought. Alexander Hamilton was important, especially for his advocacy of a strong federal government in "The Federalist Papers", but Madison's role in the actual drafting and shaping of the Constitution was more central.

Answer:

• First Question: limited government, separation of power, checks and balances
• Second Question: James Madison