Ancient Greek democracy had a deep influence on the design of political institutions in the United States. The various members of the founding generation of the United States saw ancient Athens -- the cradle of Greek democracy -- as both an inspirational model and also as an example of dangerous excess. Understanding the influence of Greek democracy on the United States requires understanding the way democracy was understood by the ancient Greeks
Both have three branches of government and a constitution. Neither use any for of direct democracy. Both have constitutions that are difficult to change
