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Foundations of U.S.

Foundations of U.S. Democracy (rule by the people) began in Ancient Greece in a response to Authoritarian governments. The Republic (rule by elected or nominated people) began in Rome but fell to emperors.

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Foundations of U.S.

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  1. Foundations of U.S.

  2. Democracy (rule by the people) began in Ancient Greece in a response to Authoritarian governments. The Republic (rule by elected or nominated people) began in Rome but fell to emperors. • Authoritarian governments continue until the Magna Carta (before this England had an absolute monarch until 1215). Now a common counsel formed to help make decisions like taxes and witnesses needed for trials. = constitutional monarchy • Leads to Bicameral government system called Parliament= House of lords (nobles inherit seat) and House of commons (members are elected)= representative democracy. • English Bill of Rights (1689) transforms government further giving parliament power to tax, make laws, and control the army. • Common Law- laws based on precedent (previous rulings)= consistent rules and future decisions. (U.S. uses these ideas).

  3. The Enlightenment Period brings a time of new ideas that influence the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. • Thomas Hobbs: An English political thinker believed that without government life would be chaos and rely on strength and skill. • John Locke: An English writer who argued that people were born free, equal, independent, & had rights called natural rights (life, liberty, property) that no government can take away and if they did it broke a social contract. • Montesquieu: A French writer developed the idea of separating the branches of government to balance each other out, a separation of powers. • Rousseau: A French philosopher believing in majority rule, or in times of disagreement people will abide by what most people want.

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