Origins of American Government The Roots of American Democracy

1. Origins of American GovernmentThe Roots of American Democracy Chapter 2 Section 1

2. The Roots of American Democracy Main Idea American democracy was shaped by our English political heritage, colonial experiments in self-government, and a range of intellectual influences. Reading Focus • Which American political ideas derived from an English political heritage? • How did colonial governments give English colonists experience in self-rule? • What intellectual influences shaped the development of American political philosophy?

3. English Political Heritage Colonial government would never be an exact copy of the British system. Colonial leaders adapted old ideas, based on English traditions, to a new environment. Limited Government • Began in 1215 when King John signed Magna Carta • Moved from rule of man to rule of law • Outlined individual rights which king could not violate • Included taxation and trial provisions Representative Government • Tradition began in 11th century. • Evolved into bicameral, or two-chamber, legislature • Nobles comprised Upper House. • Local representatives participated in House of Commons.

4. English Political Heritage {continued} Individual Rights • 1628: King Charles required to sign Petition of Right • Required monarchs to obtain Parliamentary approval before levying new taxes, also could not unlawfully imprison people or establish military rule during times of peace • Extended conflict between Charles and Parliament erupted into civil war in 1642. • Charles defeated, beheaded • 1685: renewed conflicts and rebellion between the Crown and Parliament • 1689: William and Mary chosen to rule, but had to govern according to statutes of Parliament • 1689: English Bill of Rights passed • Free speech and protection from cruel and unusual punishment guaranteed • Glorious Revolution established constitutional monarchy.

8. The English Colonies English colonists began to settle parts of North America in the early 1600s, bringing English political theories and methods of governance. Experiments in Early Governance • Virginia was the first colony, founded in 1607 • Jamestown’s House of Burgesses, 1619 • Mayflower Compact, 1620 • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, 1639 • Massachusetts Body of Liberties, 1641 • Each charter guaranteed colonists the “rights of Englishmen.” • PA granted to William Penn, 1681 • Georgia final colony, 1733 Types of English Colonies • Three types established • Proprietary, based on land grant to individual or group • Royal colonies, directly controlled by king through appointed governor • Charter colonies, operated under charters agreed to by colony and king; had most independence from the Crown

10. Intellectual Influences • In addition to English traditions, ideas were key to transforming loyal English colonists first into revolutionaries and then into founders of a new nation. Republicanism • Idea of representative government going back to Greece and Rome • Highly values citizen participation, public good, civic virtue • Influences included Aristotle, Machiavelli, de Montesquieu, others Judeo-Christian Influences • Religious heritage common to both Christianity and Judaism • Law and individual rights of divine origin

11. Intellectual Influences Enlightenment Thinkers • Enlightenment—Intellectual movement in 18th century Europe • Classical liberal concerns addressed in Enlightenment • Framers of U.S. Constitution believed in people’s natural rights to life, liberty, and property. • Social contract—People form a government to protect their rights • Philosophers John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau important contributors • Economic and civil liberties important as well • Other influences included Adam Smith, Voltaire, William Blackstone.