Early American History: 1600 to 1791

English Roots of our Government Magna Carta: 1215 English Bill of Rights: 1689 John Locke: Social Contract: 1690

Magna Carta: 1215 It limited English king’s power

John Locke & Thomas Jefferson Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Thirteen Colonies

Mayflower Compact

Declaration of Independence

Thomas Paine: Common Sense

American Revolution:

American Revolution 1775 to 1781 British tighten control on colonists by taxation Colonists protest Colonists formed militias Declaration of Independence U.S. (colonists) gain independence Form a government: Articles of Confederation Later, formed a better form of government: Constitution

Articles of Confederation No president No national court system No power to tax No national armed forces…each state raised its own troops Each state had its own currency

James Madison: Father of the Constitution

Constitutional Convention delegates met in Philadelphia: all men and very wealthy In 3 months they drew up the Constitution Balance between states and national govt. Three Branches Checks and Balances Bill of Rights: rights to people

Constitution of the United States

Federalists vs. Antifederalists

The Constitution: Debate Federalists Wanted a strong national government Wanted to ratify the Constitution Anti-Federalists Were against the ratification of the Constitution Complained that it lacked a section that gave the People rights.

Bill of Rights: First Ten Amendments

Bill of Rights 1 st amendment: freedom of religion, speech, press, right to assemble and petition 2 nd amendment: right to bear arms 3 rd amendment: no quartering of soldiers 4 th amendment: no unreasonable searches and seizures of persons and property without probable cause 5 th amendment: no double jeopardy, right to remain silent….. 6 th amendment: right to a speedy trial 7 th amendment: guarantees a jury trial in civil cases 8 th amendment: no excessive bails or fines and no cruel and unusual punishment