After the American Revolution, the newly independent states established their own governments through state constitutions. These constitutions were influenced by ideas of natural rights, social contract theory, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances. However, many states established legislative supremacy which caused problems as legislatures did not adequately protect citizens' rights and factions formed. The Massachusetts constitution was more balanced as it distributed power among the branches and included gubernatorial veto power. State declarations of rights also protected citizens' natural rights like trial by jury and freedom of religion.