1. Origins of American Government and Federalism
Unit 3
Chapters 2-3

2. Representative Foundations
Ancient Greek Direct Democracy (demokratia)
Every citizen took an active role in government
Ekklesia – Assembly that any citizen could take part in
Boule – Comparable to Congress
Dikasteria – Courts/Juries

3. Representative Foundations (cont)
Roman Republic
Consuls (monarchy) – carried out functions of former kings
Senate (aristocratic) – appointed officials
Assembly (democratic) – elected officials

4. Representative Foundations (cont)
John Locke – Social Contract
Charles de Montesquieu – Identified 3 branches of government, and 3 forms of government supported by social principles
Monarchies (honor)
Republics (virtue)
Despotisms (fear)

5. Representative Foundations (cont)
England lays the groundwork…
Magna Carta (1215) – establishes limited monarchy
English Bill of Rights (1688)
Monarchs rule with consent of the people
Parliament must approve all taxes and standing army
Monarch cannot interfere with parliamentary activities
Trial by a jury of their peers
No cruel or unusual punishment, excessive fines, and bail

6. American Democracy
Endless desire for adequate representation in government
Mayflower Compact
Choose their own leaders
Create their own laws
Colonies design their own “compacts” and legislatures

7. American Democracy (cont)
Albany Plan of the Union (1754)
Colonial Unity
Included Native American Representatives

8. American Democracy (cont)
First Continental Congress – economic
Second Continental Congress – central government is completed

9. American Democracy (cont)
At last…the Colonists declare their independence!

10. Pericles…
Democracy allows men to advance because of merit instead of wealth or inherited class.
In a democracy, citizens behave lawfully while doing what they like without fear of prying eyes.
In a democracy, there is equal justice for all in private disputes.

11. Finally…
Aristotle argued that in order for democracy to work, people needed to know the personal lives of their representatives.
Why do you think he thought this?
Do you and your partner agree with Aristotle’s argument? (why or why not)
What modern events illustrate the need for a separation of powers?