 Directions: Complete the Guided Reading Chart as you read.

What are some basic things that Americans believe?

It was the first time anywhere in the world that ordinary citizens had a say in the government. It was the first time anywhere in the world that ordinary citizens had a say in the government. The colonists fought in the American Revolution because they wanted a voice in their government. The colonists fought in the American Revolution because they wanted a voice in their government.

A government where citizens vote for representatives to make laws A government where citizens vote for representatives to make laws The founders used this as a model for the United States government. The founders used this as a model for the United States government.

Document that limited the power of the King and gave rights to English nobles. Document that limited the power of the King and gave rights to English nobles. Gave the founders the idea to limit the power of the President. The President is bound by the laws (like everyone). Gave the founders the idea to limit the power of the President. The President is bound by the laws (like everyone).

A legal system based on custom and court rulings A legal system based on custom and court rulings Establish fairness in the US court system: ensured everyone was treated equally under the law. Establish fairness in the US court system: ensured everyone was treated equally under the law.

It established the custom that a central ruler (King) should not rule alone, but alongside a body of advisors – eventually made laws It established the custom that a central ruler (King) should not rule alone, but alongside a body of advisors – eventually made laws Our Congress is modeled after Parliament (a legislative body). Our Congress is modeled after Parliament (a legislative body).

Established civil rights such as trial by jury, freedom from cruel & unusual punishment, and habeas corpus (must be told why you are arrested ). Established civil rights such as trial by jury, freedom from cruel & unusual punishment, and habeas corpus (must be told why you are arrested ). US Bill of Rights modeled after these civil rights. US Bill of Rights modeled after these civil rights.

First representative legislative (law- making) assembly in America First representative legislative (law- making) assembly in America We used this legislative (law- making) body as a model when we created our Congress. We used this legislative (law- making) body as a model when we created our Congress.

This direct-democracy document created town meetings – a chance for all citizens to come together to discuss issues. This direct-democracy document created town meetings – a chance for all citizens to come together to discuss issues. We have town meetings with representatives today. Anyone can go and voice their opinions! We have town meetings with representatives today. Anyone can go and voice their opinions!

Wrote of natural rights- life, liberty, and property. He believed if these rights were not protected, the people have the right to overthrow the government. Wrote of natural rights- life, liberty, and property. He believed if these rights were not protected, the people have the right to overthrow the government. Thomas Jefferson wrote Locke’s beliefs into the Declaration of Independence. He included natural rights – life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness, and the right to overthrow the government). Thomas Jefferson wrote Locke’s beliefs into the Declaration of Independence. He included natural rights – life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness, and the right to overthrow the government).