They knew about the American constitution too. Also about the various freedom movements in Europe.
A bit of a deviation here but speaking of looking from different angles. To quote Geoffrey Blainey (Royalauto Nov 2004):
"Some politicians even argue that Ballarat in 1854 was the birthplace of democracy in Australia. Such an argument is pretty hard to accept. South Australia, with a quiet and law-abiding population and no goldfield worthy of the name, gained what we call democracy at exactly the same time as Victoria.
    "Eureka had another effect which is rarely noticed. Lalor's appeal to arms led to the loss of many lives, and a painful military defeat for the rebels. While his words and actions persuaded many to this day that rebellion is sometimes the only course of action, it probably persuaded an even larger number of Australians that governing by debate [rather] than by force is the wisest mode of government."
A bit more to ponder. Joy