Questions: The writers of the Constitution established a federal system of government, in part because Locke and Montesquieu had concluded it was superior to other systems of government. the British political system was based on the federal principle. few states in history had successfully established unitary governments. the states would be valuable sources of revenue for a federal government.

The answer is: Locke and Montesquieu had concluded it was superior to other systems of government.

This option is correct because the philosophical ideas of John Locke and Montesquieu significantly influenced the framers of the Constitution. Locke's theories on natural rights and the social contract, along with Montesquieu's advocacy for the separation of powers and checks and balances, provided a foundation for the federal system. They believed that a federal system could effectively balance power and protect individual liberties.

This option is incorrect. The British political system was not based on the federal principle; it was a unitary system where power was centralized. The American colonies experienced this centralized control, which was one of the reasons they sought a different system that allowed for more local autonomy.

This option is incorrect. Many states throughout history have successfully established unitary governments. The choice to establish a federal system in the United States was not due to a lack of successful unitary governments but rather a desire to create a system that balanced power between national and state governments.

This option is incorrect. While states do contribute to federal revenue, the primary reason for establishing a federal system was not financial. It was more about creating a balance of power and ensuring that both the national and state governments could operate effectively within their respective domains.