Roots of American Government From Ancient Times to the Present

Words in American Government A. Important Terms 1. Constitution – the written set of laws 2. Democracy – “the rule of the people” 3. Republic – where the power is held by representatives elected by the people 4. Liberty – FREEDOM!

B. Types of Governments 1. Governments typically are shaped by the traditional beliefs of the people 2. Governments are shaped by the history of its country 3. Monarchy – a rule of one leader who leads over a kingdom or empire 4. Dictatorship – a rule with a person with absolute power – a dictator uses force 5. Oligarchy – a dictatorship with a small group of people leading the country 6. Theocracy – a country controlled by one or more religious leaders

What is Democracy? C. Democracy 1. “Government by the people” 2. Ruled directly by the people or elected officials = direct democracy democracy 3. Representative Democracy – people elect representatives to carry on the work of the government carry on the work of the government 4. Ancient Greece – years ago a. People wanted a say in government and they removed landowner dictators b. Only adult males could vote (those who were not slaves) b. Only adult males could vote (those who were not slaves) c. Votes were done in town hall meetings c. Votes were done in town hall meetings

D. Purposes of Government 1. Helps people cooperate - the need to have rules and laws 2. Provides services - gives people things they may need (ie: education) they may need (ie: education) 3. Provides a set of written laws – a 3. Provides a set of written laws – a constitution recorded so people can constitution recorded so people can obey it! obey it!

Representative Democracy E. Representative Democracy in Rome 1. Romans elected representatives - A “republic” 2. Only adult free men could vote 3. 2 groups of people: Landowners (Upper / Rich Class) Workers, Farmers, Merchants (Lower Class) 4. The rich class would elect two leaders who could veto any laws 5. Over time, two bodies were created: A Senate and a assembly (Senate – a life appointment - landowners) (the Assembly – made up of citizens)

US vs. Roman Democracy F. US vs. Roman Democracy 1. US has a representative democracy 2. The leaders make and carry out the laws 3. Veto power is held by our President 4. US- written laws = Constitution 5. US has a Senate (the “upper house”) and the House of Representatives

English Law G. English Law – US became a free nation 2. It was once ruled by Britain and its monarchy 3. 3 English Ideas kept alive: a. Law and order – areas of the country were ruled by town and city governments (and had police, etc) a. Law and order – areas of the country were ruled by town and city governments (and had police, etc) b. Limits on government – the government b. Limits on government – the government should not have too much power and should not have too much power and rights could not be taken away rights could not be taken away c. Representative Democracy - the people elected c. Representative Democracy - the people elected officials to represent them officials to represent them