Section Outline 1 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience I.A Voice in Government II.Citizenship in the Colonies III.Some Routes of Freedom IV.Signs of Discontent Color Transparency: Democratic Forms of Government Section Reading Support Transparency

2 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience Main Idea During the colonial period, Americans established traditions of freedom and self- government. Key Terms Heritage Legislature Charter Tyranny

A Voice in Government Heritage ‾the traditions passed down to us from generation to generation Legislature —A group of people chosen to make the laws —From the beginning, the colonists were used to having a voice in government. 3 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience Royal Authority —The English monarch established each colony through a charter, or document giving permission to create a government. Preserving Rights —The colonists were resistant to rule from England.

4 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience Citizenship in the Colonies Voting —Very few colonists were allowed to vote. Common Good —The colonists had the responsibility to work toward the common good of their society. Go Online: World Empires Circa 1770 Differences —Being an English citizen in the colonies during the 1600s and 1700s was very different from being an American citizen today.

5 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience Some Roots of Freedom Many of the freedoms we enjoy in America today have been unknown throughout history. Religious Freedom —Many early colonists came to America to escape religious persecution and find religious freedom. Freedom of the Press and the Zenger Trial —The colonists could not print anything that was critical of the government.

6 of 9 America’s Political Heritage Section 1: The Colonial Experience Signs of Discontent England and the Colonists —By the mid 1700s, England had tightened control over the colonies. —Many colonists accused England of tyranny, or the abuse of power. —A growing number of colonists began to wonder if England planned to strip them of their rights and silence their voice in government.

7 of 9 America’s Political Heritage: Section 1 Color Transparency: Democratic Forms of Government

8 of 9 America’s Political Heritage: Section 1 Color Transparency: Democratic Forms of Government 1. Why did the Athenians create direct democracy? 2. What was the most common motivation for the government to change? Athenians respected all citizens and not just an all-powerful ruler. The people were looking for greater personal freedoms and a voice in the decisions of government.

9 of 9 America’s Political Heritage: Section 1 Section Reading Support Transparency