The United States Constitution was significantly influenced by the philosophies of John Locke and Montesquieu. Locke's ideas about natural rights and the social contract resonated strongly, advocating for inherent liberties and government accountability. Montesquieu's theories on the separation of powers inspired the Constitution's framework, which divided governmental authority among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This structural balance was designed to prevent any single entity from gaining excessive control, underscoring the importance of liberty and individual rights in the formation of modern democratic governments.