Beginnings of Citizenship

Ancient Greece Ancient Greece influenced American Government because they developed the first democracy (government in which power is held by the people).

Magna Carta The Magna Carta was a document that influenced American Government because it ensured certain basic rights: trial by jury due process (process of appearing before a judge if charged with a crime).

Mayflower Compact The Mayflower Compact influenced American Government because it was our first written constitution. (A constitution is a written plan for government.)

Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence was written to announce that the United States was free from British control. Written by Thomas Jefferson

Constitution The U. S. Constitution was written as our plan of government. It is made up of 3 parts: The Preamble – six goals for the United States Government 7 Articles – describe how government is organized and how it works 27 Amendments – changes or additions to the constitution (the first 10 amendments are called the “Bill of Rights”)

Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights protect the rights of citizens from the power of the federal government. They are: First Amendment – Freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly and the right to petition Second Amendment – Right to bear arms Third Amendment – Prohibits government from forcing people to house and feed soldiers in their home Fourth Amendment – Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures Fifth Amendment – Guarantees accused person will not be denied the right to life, liberty, and property without due process of law Sixth Amendment – Guarantees the right to trial by jury, representation by an attorney, and a speedy trial Seventh Amendment – Guarantees citizens the right to a trial by jury in civil cases. Eighth Amendment – Protects against imprisonment or punishment that is excessive Ninth Amendment – People have rights beyond those mentioned in the Constitution. Tenth Amendment – Declares that powers not specifically given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

Why are they important? The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights work together as the basis for our government. They granted us freedoms, explained how government would work, and ensured our inalienable (God given – not to be taken away) rights.

John Locke John Locke was a European Enlightenment thinker. The Enlightenment philosophy: 1. Stressed the rights of individuals 2. Questioned older ideas. 3. Argued that people could use reason to solve problems. He believed that all people have inalienable rights – God given rights that cannot be taken away by the government. These included life, liberty, and the right to own property. Thomas Jefferson included many of these beliefs in the Declaration of Independence.

Constitution – Real or Fake?? Do you know what’s real and what’s fake? Let’s take a quiz about some interesting facts from the Constitution and the people who wrote it!! RealReal or Fake??