Bellringer What are the six basic principles found in the Preamble of the Constitution?

Lesson 1.2 (Refer to chapter 1 section 3 and Chapter 2 section 1) Basic Concepts of Democracy and Political Beginnings.

Objectives (Do Not Copy) Understand the foundations of democracy. Identify the three basic concepts of government that influenced the British colonies. Explain the Significance of the following landmark English Documents: The Magna Carta, The petition of Rights, and the English Bill of Rights. Describe the three types of Colonies that the English established in North America.

Foundations (Do Not Copy) Winston Churchill (1874-1965) once argued for democracy this way: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it ahs been said democracy is the worst for of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Foundations (Cont) The American concept of democracy rests on these basic notations: A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person. Each individual, no matter what his or her station in life, is a separate and distinct being. All of which deserves a fighting chance to be the best they can be. A respect for the equality of all persons. Thomas Jefferson said “all men are created equal.” Based off this statement all are entitled to equality of opportunity and equality before the law. A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights. Majority rule is not always right or wrong, but it helps to reach a satisfactory decision. However the majority should still respect the ideas of the minority whether they are right or wrong.

Foundations (Cont) An acceptance of the necessity of compromise. A Compromise is the process of blending and adjusting competing views and interests. An insistence upon the widest possible degree of the individual freedom. Total freedom is impossible, because it can only exists in a state of Anarchy. Democracy allows as much freedom for the individual as long as the individual does not interfere with another's individual freedoms.

Basic Concepts of Government Ordered Government The English Colonists saw a need for order. They created local governments, many of which they still have today. These offices include but are not limited to Sheriff, Coroner, and Justice of the Peace. Limited Government States that government is restricted in what it may do, and each individual has rights that the government cannot take away. (I.E. the Bill of Rights) Representative Government A system in which, the people elect representatives periodically (Either every 2 or 4 years) to represent them in voting for laws.

Landmark English Documents The Magna Carta Aka the Great Charter (1215)- Limits the Power of the King, states that the kings power is limited not absolute. The Petition of Rights (1628)- No taxes could be levied without Parliament's consent; No English subject could be imprisoned without cause - thus reinforcing the right of habeas corpus; No quartering of soldiers in citizens homes; No martial law may be used in peacetime The English Bill of Rights (1689)- Prohibited a standing army in peacetime, except with the consent of Parliament, and required that all parliamentary elections be free.

The English Colonies Each colony was established on the basis of a Charter, which is a written grant of authority from the king. Royal Colonies- Were subject to the direct control of the Crown. On the eve of the American Revolution there were eight. The king had named a governor in each colony. The king also named a council, which acted as the upper half of the new Bicameral (Two-house) legislature. Proprietary Colonies- By 1775, there were three. These colonies were organized by a proprietor, which is a person who the king granted the land. This person had the power to govern and use the land as much as they want. In Pennsylvania, it had a Unicameral (one-house) body.

The English Colonies (Cont) The Charter Colonies- Even though there were only two, they were colonies that were largely self-governing. The governor was elected each year, before taking office the king must approve the appointment. The laws passed by the bicameral legislature were not subject to the governors veto.