The philosophical ideas that influenced the architects of the American Constitution included Enlightenment concepts such as social contract theory, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau inspired the Founding Fathers' vision of a government accountable to the people and built on the principles of individual rights and liberty. The idea of government deriving its authority from the consent of the governed was particularly vital in shaping democratic ideals. These Enlightenment ideas helped form the framework of the Constitution, ensuring a balance between branches of government while protecting personal freedoms, which remain critical elements of American democracy today.