1. Historical Influences on American Govt.
The government of the 13 colonies reflected ideas that came from the heritage of Western Civilization.
17th-18th century Enlightenment ideas.
Then modified by English thought and experience.

2. Greece: Concept of Democracy (government by the people)
Athens had a direct democracy.
The U.S. has a representative democracy – We elect representatives to make decisions on our behalf.
Citizens take part in government decisions.

3. Ancient Rome:
Idea of a republic – voters elect representatives who speak and act for other citizens.
Supposed to work for the common good.
A.K.A a representative democracy.
Written law

4. English Experience and Documents
Magna Carta 1215
English noblemen forced King John to sign this document also known as the Great Charter.
This placed limits on his power to rule.
Ex: Right to trial by jury.

5. Petition of Right:
1628, King Charles I signed this document which puts in writing certain basic rights and legal traditions.
Writ of Habeas Corpus- prevented people from being imprisoned without a trial.
This was later suspended by President Abraham Lincoln.

6. English Bill of Rights:
1689, the Glorious Revolution, ended years of struggle between the English Parliament and the monarchy.
Parliament overthrew king James II & replaced him with William & Mary, who were required to agree to the English Bill of Rights.
This established that Parliament & the rule of law outweighed the power of any monarch.

7. Enlightenment Thought
John Locke:
People are born free and with certain natural rights.
“life, liberty & prosperity”
The power of the government is only given to it because the people allow them to have it. (Social Contract)

8. Montesquieu: French Philosopher.
Believed that the English political system worked because it divided power to govern between the monarch and Parliament.
Division in government gives balance among the branches so no branch gains too much power.

9. Rousseau: Another French Philosopher.
Further supported the social contract.
Government by the consent of the governed.
Influenced our Declaration of Independence.

10. Voltaire: Wrote the Philosophical Letters.
Praised British institutions and rights.
He wrote about religious tolerance and against religious persecution.
“I may detest what you say. But I will defend to the death your right to say it”

11. Colonial Principles Limits on Government:
Colonists believed there should be a limit on government power.
They wrote laws based on English law.
Early on they also believed in freedom of press and that the government should be limited on attempts to control what is written.

12. Mayflower Compact:
In 1620, before landing at Plymouth to present day Massachusetts, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Contract.
In this they consented (gave permission) to be governed by a government in which they created.
This was the first attempt of colonists to self-government*

13. Mayflower Compact (cont.)
“We whose names are underwritten…covenant & combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering & preservation…for the general good of the colony…”
What words indicate that this is a compact or contract?
What was the purpose of this agreement according to this document?

14. Questions
1. How did each civilization influence our government- Greece/Rome?
2. What is a representative democracy?
3. What is the Writ of Habeas Corpus?
4. Name 2 Enlightenment thinkers and their ideas about government.
5. Why do you think the colonists wanted a limited government?
6. What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact?