which characteristic of government began in classical greece and most influenced the founding fathers of the united states of america?

Hypothesis is the correct answer.

A hypothesis is a starting point for further investigation since it is an explanation (or idea) that is given on the basis of very limited evidence. It is more than a wild guess but, still, it cannot be considered a theory because it has to go through a lot of testing for it to be labeled as such. Thus, the statement given is a good example of a hypothesis.