Chapter 2: The Roots of American Democracy

Section 1: Our English Heritage 1. Magna Carta – created in 1215 A.D. 2. Definition: Parliament – lawmakers in England that represented commoners protected the English nobility from the king Influences from Early English Gov’t Led the way for our Congress

Section 1 Continued 3. Definition: Common Law – system where a judge makes decisions based on precedent (previous rulings) and social customs influenced our Court System Influences from Early Eng. Gov’t Continued

Section 1 Continued 4. English Bill of Rights – signed in 1689 limited the king from doing things without Parliament’s consent Influences from Early Eng. Gov’t Continued King couldn’t impose taxes, raise and army, etc.

Section 1 Continued House of Burgesses - 1st form of self- gov’t in America (Virginia) Mayflower Compact – written plan for gov’t signed by Pilgrims Early Gov’t in the American Colonies

Section 1 Continued Each colony had its own gov’t and grew used to making its own decisions England ignored the colonies for a long time while preoccupied with wars in Europe Early Gov’t in the Colonies Continued:

Section 2: The Birth of a Democratic Nation The First Continental Congress – assembled to demand more rights from England  made plans to boycott English goods Colonial Rebellion:  Definition: boycott – to refuse to buy

Section 2 Continued The colonies didn’t plan for independence until King George III responded with force  caused the first battles to start Colonial Rebellion Continued:

Section 2 Continued The Second Continental Congress – met to approve the Declaration of Independence  approved on July 4, 1776 Colonial Rebellion Continued:  gave reasons for separation from England and the colonists’ beliefs about the rights of individuals

Section 3: The Nation’s First Governments Made up of 4 parts 1. Preamble - explains why the 2nd Continental Congress drew up the Declaration The Declaration of Independence

Section 3 Continued 2. Declaration of Natural Rights - lists the rights of the citizens and explains that people form a gov’t. to protect those rights The Declaration of Independence continued:

Section 3 Continued 3. List of Grievances – lists the colonists’ complaints against the British gov’t and singles King George III out for blame The Declaration of Independence continued:

Section 3 Continued 4. Resolution of Independence – declares that the colonies are free and have the power to go to war, form alliances, and trade with other countries The Declaration of Independence continued:  Also includes the signatures

Section 3 Continued The 1st governing document of the U.S. created in 1777 The Articles of Confederation Definition: confederation - group of state gov’ts that ban together for a common purpose

Section 3 Continued Only set up a Congress, no president or court system Weaknesses of The Articles Gov’t couldn’t enforce laws or raise taxes  states could choose to ignore it

Section 3 Continued Congress needed a unanimous vote to change or do anything Weaknesses of The Articles continued Each state had only 1 representative so the national gov’t was run by 13 people

Section 3 Continued Basically, the states had all the power! Weaknesses of The Articles continued By 1787, Americans realized they needed to revise the Articles and met in Philadelphia to do so