Outside of ancient Rome, and of course contemporary England, the founders of the American Republic had more fascination and affinity for the Republic of Venice than any other European experiment in government. They were united on the nature and the effects of power. A common bond that leaders of both Republics shared on this big political issue was a deep skepticism in mankind's inherently flawed nature, especially when it came to human greed and despotism. Without built-in safeguards, Venetians and Virginians knew that government could only compound the weaknesses of men. For this reason, as Gore Vidal observed, "Each republic made sure that it would never become a monarchy or a democracy." Even though hereditary rulers were anathema in Williamsburg during the debate on the first constitution of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson was heard to remark "that a choice of the people themselves is not generally distinguished for its wisdom."

Venice's success in retaining her independence and internal stability against all manner of threats continued to impress the world long after her decline as an empire right down to the eve of the American Revolution. Venetians themselves believed the fundamental key was in their constitution, where elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy were carefully mixed—a republic successfully tempered by a blend of noble and popular elements. George Ill's recent effort to dominate Parliament had thrown the English republican mix out of balance, prompting colonial leaders to hark back to what they called "true constitutional principles."