Roots of American Government “Birds go flying at the speed of sound To show you how it all began, Birds came flying from the underground, If you could see it then you'd understand” Mr. Munoz 12 th Grade Government

I. Ancient Greece and Rome:  Athens created first direct democracy whereby citizens directly created laws  Rome, 509 BC founded a republic, a govt. in which representatives were elected to make laws

II. English Tradition  For centuries, English monarchs ruled subjects (people who were subjected to the rule of the monarch). Some used their power justly; others were tyrants who stirred resentment among their subjects

1200’s  English nobles had gained enough power to challenge royal power  1215, they forced King John to sign the Magna Carta (Great Charter) which listed the rights of citizens that the King could not take away  At first the Magna Carta Applied only to nobles but it was a first step  Late 1200’s, Parliament had been established (representative govt.) Over centuries Parliament became more powerful than the monarch

1689 English Bill of Rights  listed the rights of all English citizens, not just nobles.  Provided protection against tyranny

III. Political Philosophers  Assignment: Using the Text and Readings  Background, when were they alive, where are they from?  What is the political philosophy of each (should be around a paragraph to sum up the major ideas)? What are their views on the role of citizens, the role of leaders?  How do their ideas reflect what you know about American democracy?  What do you think their lasting impact is? DO you agree with their philosophy? Why/ Why not?

 Aristotle- Reading to be info swapped  Plato:- Reading to be info swapped  Machiavelli- Reading to be info swapped  Montesquieu: In Text  Thomas Hobbes: In Text  John Locke – Reading to be info swapped  Rousseau:- In Text

IV. Early Colonial Charters and Govt.  A key feature of the colonial period was government according to a written plan.

1620: Mayflower Compact  The Mayflower Compact (A written agreement to make and obey laws for the welfare of the group) is the first example of colonial plans for self government,  Pilgrim leaders realized that they needed rules to govern themselves if they were to survive in the new land (social contract?) so they agreed to choose leaders and create laws for the benefit of the group.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut:  America’s first formal constitution or charter, other colonies followed suit and soon each colony had a limited system of government.

Colonial Legislatures  Virginia House of Burgesses, the first legislature in America was founded in  The lawmakers passed laws aiding farmers, outlawing idleness, improper dress, and public drunkenness.

V. Early Conflict 

English rule in England vs. English rule in the colonies  The English believed, the colonies existed for the economic gain of England and should be governed by the English Parliament.

Reality  Orders from the king took up to two months to reach the colonies.  Local legislatures dealt with the everyday problems facing the colonies.  Colonists became accustomed to governing themselves.

VI. Status Quo Change

1. French and Indian War:  The French and British powers struggled over land in Penn and Ohio,  England eventually won in 1763 driving the French out.

2. George III  Took a firm stance with the rule of the colonies.  Under his direction, Parliament passed more taxes to offset the cost of the War. Tea, sugar, glass, paper, etc were all taxed.  The Stamp Act 1756 was the first direct tax on the colonists.  As British revenue grew so did colonial resentment. Protests, Boycotts, Boston Tea Party, etc. “Taxation without representation”

VII. Unity Among colonies  Colonists pledged allegiance to their individual colonies but rejected the idea of forming on unified front for fear of giving too much power to one group.  The tide changed as colonists grew angrier and were able to rally against what they felt was British oppression.

VIII. First Continental Congress  12 colonial delegates ( - Georgia) met in 1774 to challenge English rule and convince England to respect colonists’ rights.  They proposed an embargo against Great Britain, and agreed not to use British goods.  George III responded with force, “shot heard round the world” at Lexington and Concord in April 1775.

IX Second Continental Congress:  Assumed the powers of a central govt.  John Hancock was to assume the role of President of Congress.  George Washington commander of the Continental Army.

X. Common Sense:  Thomas Paine’s essay outlining the reasons the colonies should be independent of England

XI. Declaration of Independence  Main ideas were to express the views of natural rights and the purpose of govt.

Outline the Declaration

Organizing a New Government  Colonies had become “free and independent states” so each established its own govt. and constitution.  All constitutions were slightly different to meet the needs of its own people but common ideas were limiting of terms for governors, separation of powers