1. Unit 2: Foundations of American Government
II. Origins of American Government
Unit 2: Foundations of American Government

2. Activate Prior Knowledge
Turn to page 28 and 29
What do the image and the quotation suggest about the origins of American government?

3. Objectives Students will:
Examine early English concepts of government.
Analyze the influences of the Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights on American idea about government and freedom.
Compare the structure of royal colony government to our National Government

4. I. Political Beginnings
Our beginnings did not start with the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution.
Started much sooner.

5. A) Basic Concepts of Government
Influences are Babylon, Rome and England
Ordered Government – from England we received local government – sheriff, grand jury and counties
Limited government – government is restricted and individuals have certain rights that cannot be taken away
Representative government – government must serve the will of the people – we get a voice, a representative in government

6. B) Landmark English Documents
Magna Carta: (Great Charter) – forced on king John by the nobles (only nobles), first time king received limited power (trial by jury and due process)
Due Process – must follow law regarding life, liberty and property
Petition of Right – Charles I forced to sign gave rights to the commoner including – habeas corpus, marital law, shelter troops, tax, and follow the law
English Bill of Rights – forced William and Mary to forbid cruel punishment, excessive bail, bear arms, petition.

7. How might the right to petition, first granted in the English Bill of Rights, prevent abuse of power by a monarch?

8. C) Thirteen Colonies
13 colonies created over 125 years – first was Virginia, second last was Georgia
All colonies formed by a charter
Charter – written grant of authority from the king
Royal – direct control of the crown – named governor – upper house picked by king – lower house was elected by property owners
Bicameral – two house legislature
Proprietary Colonies – organized by person king had given grant of land - governor appointed by owner
Unicameral – one house legislature
Charter – granted to a group of people (religious) very free – elected own governor by land owners

9. Review
Identify the three concepts of government that influenced the American colonies.
Explain the significance of three landmark English documents
Describe the three types of colonies that the English established in the American Colonies.
What concepts did we get from the three types of colonies?