Chapter 2 Origins of American Government What makes us American?

I. The Colonial Period and the Roots of American Democracy

A. History of Representative Government First form dates to the 11th century Nobles and Religious leaders served as advisors to the King of England This advisory council evolved into a bicameral, or two house legislature known as Parliament Upper House called the House of Lords Lower House called the House of Commons

B. Limited Government Nobles rebelled after the King raised their taxes Known as “The Great Charter,” Magna Carta was signed by King John of England in 1215 First step towards the “Rule of Law” in England Held Kings and Queens accountable for breaking English laws

C. English Colonies Types of Colonies Proprietary Colony – based on a grant of land by the English monarch to a proprietor who financed the start of the colony Pennsylvania and Maryland Royal Colony – directly controlled by the king through appointed governors Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North and South Carolina, and Virginia. Charter Colonies – operated under charters agreed to by the colony and the King. Connecticut and Rhode Island

1607 – Jamestown becomes the first permanent settlement in North America 1619 – Jamestown House of Burgesses meets for the first time Colonists were influential in shaping the development of government in the U.S.

Primary Source – Charter of the Virginia Colony, 1606 “Our subjects which shall dwell and inhabit within every or any of the said several colonies and plantations, and every of their children, which shall be born within any of the limits and precincts of the said several colonies and plantations shall have and enjoy all the liberties, franchises and immunities, within any of our other dominions, to all intents and purposes, as if they had been abiding and born within this our realm of England.”

D. Consent of the Governed Mayflower Compact is signed by the Pilgrims in 1620 People were bound together by their religious faith and the need to survive harsh conditions Popular Sovereignty – Government is given its authority by the consent of the people being governed by it.

Mayflower Compact Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnvePCASB7c

E. Rights of the Individual Conflict between King Charles I of England and Parliament led to the signing of the Petition of Right in 1628 slightly limited the power of the Monarch to violate individual rights of English citizens This conflict resulted in the English Civil War in 1642, culminating in the execution of King Charles I English Bill of Rights – stated the monarch could no longer make decisions without the consent of Parliament and included protections for the individual

The English Bill of Rights The Glorious Revolution of 1688 Secured Parliament’s dominance over the Monarchy Included a Right to Petition – freedom to request the government to change could not change laws or tax without the consent of Parliament Right to a trial by a jury of peers protected against cruel and unusual punishment

F. The Enlightenment 18th century intellectual movement in Europe deeply concerned with liberty and individual rights People had natural rights to life, liberty, and property – John Locke Social Contract Theory – Rousseau Economic Freedoms – Adam Smith Free Speech and Religion - Voltaire