Benjamin, please don't quote me, cause I'm responding from memory - okay?

If I recall correctly, Jefferson, Madison, and Franklin, were influenced by Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" and later, "An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" (which was published in 1776).

Both works introduced the 'Invisible Hand' theory to economics. That aligns with the dead hand theory regarding land use. Which makes me wonder when 'land-use' law was renamed real estate law? Land 'use' versus 'real' estate is a huge difference - yes?

Again, if I recall correctly the founders were trying to prevent dynasties that pass wealth and power through bloodlines for hundreds of years. Again, that includes corporate charters, which also pass wealth and power to the select few, for hundreds of years.

It might be a leap, but it seems possible that the founders were looking for something solid to work with, like science and math, rather than all the different 'religious' doctrines, theories, and arguments surrounding them. Right or wrong, they were concerned with placing the needs and desires of the living, above the dead.

I think the Charter of the Forest and Magna Carta were highly influential in the founders' minds. However, self-interest, the exact opposite of the invisible hand theory, played an even bigger role.

Many of the founders had inherited huge swaths of land, given to their families by kings. Some worked as surveyors, and allocated the best and most fertile lands to themselves. If land had to be used, in order to be owned, they were in deep trouble without slaves and servants. IOW, the founders were already dynasties, trying to prevent dynasties.

Every time I look at the founders, the messier and messier they get.