1. The colonial experience
America’s Political Heritage
The colonial experience

2. I. Classical roots Greece Direct democracy Very small number of voters
Free, male, native-born citizens only
Citizens met in agora (marketplace) to discuss needs or to hold trials

3. I. Classical roots Rome—first republic Senate composed of patricians
Several assemblies representing tribes, military veterans, and other groups

4. I. Classical roots (ctd) Rome—first republic
Tribunes of the plebs (common people) had veto power
Natural rights and citizenship extended gradually to non- native-born

5. II. English tradition Magna Carta (1215) Parliament
Challenged monarch to limit his
power
At first, only applied to nobles— later extended to all citizens and to the colonies
Right to a fair trial
Right to travel freely
Habeas corpus
Parliament

6. STOP!!!

7. II. English tradition English Bill of Rights (1689) Monarch could not:
limit free speech in Parliament
collect taxes without Parliament’s
approval
Guaranteed rights to all Englishmen, not just nobles
Right to petition government
Right to trial by jury

8. III. Enlightenment (Age of Reason)
Power of reason
Natural law, natural rights
John Locke—government
exists for the people
Right to life, liberty, property
Can disobey government that
does not protect those rights

9. III. Enlightenment (Age of Reason)
Philosophes in France
Voltaire—freedom of religion
(no established church)
Montesquieu—separation of powers to prevent government growing too strong

10. 10

11. Steps toward independence
1774 First Continental Congress
Representatives from 12 colonies
Wanted England to respect colonists’ rights
Threatened to cut off trade
1775 Second Continental Congress
Patrick Henry argues for independence

13. Steps toward independence
1776 Thomas Paine published
Common Sense:
– “There is something absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.”

14. XI. Declaration of Independence
Continental Congress needed to convince people of need for independence
Wanted to explain to European countries why colonists deserved freedom
Declaration written by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams

16. Declaration of Independence
Reflects Enlightenment
views of John Locke
– Natural rights
“… all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights … life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.”