Our Political Beginnings Chapter 2, Section 1

Basic Concepts of Government The settlers of the U.S. used their ideas for government from England. Ideas came from all parts of the world. Early African and Asian civilizations. Ancient Rome and Greece.

From England’s rich political history came…. Three ideas that would largely shape the government of the U.S. Ordered Government Limited Government Representative Government

Ordered Government The idea of orderly regulation of relationships (government itself.) Created local governments based on what they had known in England. Examples of the units of government that still exist today: Sheriff, coroner, assessor, justice of the peace, grand jury, counties, townships, etc.

Limited Government The idea that government is not all powerful, it is limited in what it can do and individuals have certain rights that can’t be taken away.

Representative Government The idea that the government should serve the will of the people. “of, for, and by the people.”

Landmark English Documents The three ideas that would loom large in the shaping of government (ordered, limited, and representative) can be traced to several English documents. Magna Carta Petition of Right English Bill of Rights

Magna Carta “Great Charter” (1215) Due to conflicts with English nobles and military failures, King John was forced to sign this document protecting citizens against arbitrary acts by the king.

Cont’d…. The Magna Carta established that the power of the Monarchy was not absolute. This was the first idea of limited government. Established ideas of: Trial by jury Due process of law Arbitrary taking of life, liberty, and property New idea: “taxation without representation.” Nobles were the main beneficiary.

Petition of Right King Charles signed this document limiting the Kings power. Created b/c many rulers had ignored the Magna Carta. Challenged the idea of the divine right of kings. (now, Kings were subject to the law) Parliament approval was needed on most issues.

Cont’d King could no longer imprison or punish any person but by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. King could not: Impose martial law (rule by the military in peacetime). Require homeowners to shelter the king’s troops w/out their consent.

English Bill of Rights Created when William and Mary of Orange were offered the throne. Meant to prevent the abuse of power by all future monarchs.

Cont’d Among other things, the English Bill of Rights… Prohibited a standing army during peacetime, except with the consent of Parliament. Right to a fair and speedy trial, guaranteeing trial by jury. Freedom of excessive bail. Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. What kind of impact, if any, did these 3 English documents have on our government?

All of these can eventually be seen in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

How this affects us today Although, American government and politics was built on, changed, and added to these ideas brought by the settlers, these English ideas created the framework for our way of government.

13 Schools of Government This is what England’s colonies in North America were known as. The Thirteen colonies were established over a span of 125 years.

Creation of colonies/colonial Govt Each colony was born out of a particular set of circumstances. First colony established: Jamestown, Virginia in Last colony: Savannah, Georgia in Each colony was created on the basis of a charter, which is a written grant of authority from the King.

Three kinds of colonies This instrument of government led to the creation of three kinds of colonies: Royal Proprietary Charter

Royal Colonies These colonies were subject to the direct control of the Crown. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia (chart on pg. 31).

Cont’d A governor was appointed by the King, and a council who served as an advisory board to the governor ruled each royal colony. Evolved into a bicameral legislature. Council – upper house Qualified property owners elected the lower house. Royal governors ruled with a stern hand and all laws passed had to be approved by the King.

Proprietary Colonies Colonies created by a person whom the king had granted land. (proprietor) Maryland (Lord Baltimore) Pennsylvania (William Penn) Delaware (William Penn)

Cont’d Proprietary colonies could be governed how the proprietor chose. The governors were chosen by the proprietor. Pennsylvania chose a unicameral legislature (one house): there was no council. As in the royal colonies, appeals from the decisions of the proprietor could be carried to the King in London.

Charter Colonies Charters were granted to colonists themselves, thus they were self- governing. Connecticut Rhode Island

Cont’d Bicameral legislature Governor was voted by white, male property owners. Crown’s approval was not needed for the laws made by the legislature. Very liberal for their time. With independence, their charters were kept with only minor changes as State constitutions. Many historians say that had Britain allowed the other colonies the same freedoms and self- government, the Revolution might never have happened.

Events These 3 events helped shape our political beginnings. Maryland Toleration Act Great Awakening Enlightenment

Maryland Toleration Act Passed to make Maryland a safe-haven for Catholics. Problem: few Catholics showed up, protestants took over and passed laws outlawing Catholics from holding any position of power.

Great Awakening 1730s – 1760s Period of religious revival Movement rooted in spiritual growth which brought a national identity to Colonial America. revivalism taught people that they could be bold when confronting religious authority, and that when churches weren't living up to the believers' expectations, the people could break off and form new ones. What does this sound like?

Enlightenment 1700s Age of Reason At its core was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals, and a strong belief in rationality and science. Philosophers