1. Roots of Democracy in America

2. Magna Carta 1215 English noblemen forced King John to sign
Two basic ideas:
Even a king must obey law
Citizens have certain rights

3. Copy of the Magna Carta from 1225

4. Virginia House of Burgesses2
1619
First elected representative assembly in the colonies

5. Virginia House of Burgesses

6. Mayflower Compact Compact means agreement or contract3
Compact means agreement or contract
Signed by the Pilgrims before they disembarked from the ship
They would elect men to govern Plymouth Plantation by majority vote
First attempt to practice democracy in American history

7. The Mayflower

8. Signing of the Mayflower Compact, 1620
Artist: Percy Moran

10. English Bill of Rights 4
1689
Signed by the English monarchs, William and Mary
Gave English Parliament ultimate power
Listed the rights of English citizens

11. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut5
First written constitution in American colonial history

12. John Locke 1690 English philosopher “Natural Rights of Man” Life
Liberty
Private property

13. John Locke
British Philosopher

14. Declaration of Independence7
Declaration of Independence
1776
Thomas Jefferson
“Unalienable Rights”
Argues that governments are created to protect man’s rights
People should abolish any government that does not

15. U.S. Constitution 8
1787
Current written plan that describes the basic power structure and function of the federal government

16. 9
Federalists
Leaders who wanted a strong federal (central) government.
Supported the Constitution as it was written in 1787.
James Madison (4th Pres.)– “Father of the Constitution.”
Alexander Hamilton – First Secretary of the Treasury. .

17. Federalists
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton

18. Anti-federalists Leaders who opposed a strong federal government10
Anti-federalists
Leaders who opposed a strong federal government
Refused to ratify the 1787 Constitution until a “Bill of Rights” was added to protect citizens

19. 11
Federalist Papers
A series of essays written by the Federalists to convince Americans to support the Constitution and a stronger national government

20. Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to the Constitution.12
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Lists the rights of American citizens.

21. Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition
Amendment I 13
Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition

22. Amendment II Amendment II14
Right to bear arms

23. Prevents quartering of soldiers in citizens’ homes.
Amendment III
Amendment III 15
Prevents quartering of soldiers in citizens’ homes.

24. Prevents illegal searches and seizures of property
Amendment IV
Amendment IV 16
Prevents illegal searches and seizures of property

25. Amendment V Amendment V17
Protects rights of the accused, such as no self-incrimination in court and no double jeopardy.

26. Amendment VI Amendment VI18
Right to a speedy trial by jury of your peers in criminal cases. (murder)

27. Right to a jury trial in civil cases (lawsuits).
Amendment VII
Amendment VII 19
Right to a jury trial in civil cases (lawsuits).

28. Prevents excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.
Amendment VIII
Amendment VIII 20
Prevents excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

29. Amendment IX Amendment IX21
Rights reserved for the people.
Just because it isn’t specifically listed in the Bill of Rights does not mean you do not have a certain right.
Example: the right to privacy.

30. Amendment X Amendment X22
States’ Rights
If a power is not specifically granted to the national government, it is reserved for the states.
Example: public schools

31. Seven Principles
of the Constitution

32. The people give government its power.
Popular Sovereignty
The people give government its power.
Government exists to serve the people.
Example: voting 23

33. Popular Sovereignty

34. Citizens and government officials must all follow the laws.
Limited Government
No one is above the law.
Citizens and government officials must all follow the laws. 24

35. Personal rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights
Individual Rights
Personal rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments
Examples: speech, religion, arms, speedy trial by jury 25

36. You are protected under the Bill of Rights umbrella

37. Example: the U.S. Congress.
Republicanism
We believe in electing officials to represent our interests and make the laws for us.
Example: the U.S. Congress. 26

38. Our federal government is divided into 3 separate branches.
Separation of Powers
Our federal government is divided into 3 separate branches.
Each branch has its own separate and specific duties and responsibilities. 27
continued

39. Separation of Powers 3 Branches
Legislative
Makes the laws
Executive
Enforces the laws
Judicial
Interprets the laws 27

40. Checks and Balances
Each branch can block the power of the other 2 branches.
Prevents 1 branch from becoming too powerful.
Examples: Presidential veto; Judicial review; Congressional approval of justices. 28

41. Checks and Balances

42. Federalism The federal and state governments share some powers
Examples:
We pay federal income tax, and some states require a state income tax.
Both the federal and state governments build highways. 29

43. Federalism
Federal Laws
State Laws