1. Where does American government really begin?

2. The Greeks  Greece was divided into small city- states, which included the cities and surrounding lands.  Gathered in the agora, or an open space in the center of the city, where men discussed politics.

3. The Greeks  Each city-state was independent and chose the form of government which worked best for them.  The earliest form was a monarchy, or ruled by a king.

4. The Greeks  Each individual within a city-state has a say in government.  They debated issues, voted on laws, and were loyal to the city- state government.  In return, they received certain protections from that government.

5. The Romans  Rome was organized as a republic.  A republic is government in which citizens choose representatives to speak for them and make laws for them.

6. The Romans Executive – enforces laws and has two leaders Legislative – includes the Senate and the assemblies and was responsible for making laws. Judicial – include 8 judges who served one year terms. They interpreted laws in court.  The republican government of Rome had three branches of government.

7. The Romans  Legal code written on 12 tablets that was the basis of Roman law.  Examples: legal, economic, property, and social rights.  Basis of the U.S. Constitution

8.  American government is based on two principles (ideas): 1. Democracy – people rule – borrowed from Greece Republicanism – people elect representatives to speak for them in government – borrowed from Rome