In 1775, the Continental Congress passed, the Declaration of Causes, which established the foundation of the future government of the United States. The document was published in English and translated into Italian by Philip Mazzei, who picked up on Beccaria’s principle, that governments should exist to serve the people.

the words, “We, the people,” Philip Mazzei saw the inclusion of all Americans in the political process, regardless of religious, racial, sexual or political affiliation. He played a major role in the shaping of America’s future government, whose spirit of Democracy continues in today’s American Republic.