Section Outline 1 of 6 America’s Political Heritage Section 2: Roots of American Government I.Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome II.English Tradition III.Relying on Reason Section Reading Support Transparency

2 of 6 America’s Political Heritage Section 2: Roots of American Government Main Idea American colonists began to think about what they wanted from their government. They looked to models from ancient Greece and Rome, English history, and European philosophers. Key Terms Direct democracy Republic Natural rights Separation of powers

Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome Athens —Created the world’s first democracy, a form of government in which laws are made directly by the citizens —Citizens were allowed to vote to pass laws or make decisions. 3 of 6 America’s Political Heritage Section 2: Roots of American Government Rome —In 509 B.C. founded a republic, a government in which representatives are elected to pass laws

4 of 6 America’s Political Heritage Section 2: Roots of American Government English Tradition The Magna Carta —In 1215, empowered English noblemen forced King John to sign a document listing rights that even the monarch could not take away from nobles. The English Bill of Rights —In 1689 the English legislature, called Parliament, passed a Bill of Rights that further limited the monarch’s power. —This document listed the rights of all English citizens.

5 of 6 America’s Political Heritage Section 2: Roots of American Government Relying on Reason Europe in the 1600s and 1700s —Philosophers wrote that people have the power of reason, the ability to think clearly. —Natural rights: Rights people are born with and that no government can take away —Famous philosophers: John Locke and Montesquieu Separation of Powers —Dividing government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches

6 of 6 America’s Political Heritage: Section 2 Section Reading Support Transparency