1. The Inspiration used by the Framers of the Constitution

2. Outline of Influences  Ancient Greece: Democracy of Athens  Roman Republic: Representative Government  Magna Carta:Check & Balances  Mayflower Compact: 1st Self Government in America  Judeo-Christian Religious Beliefs  Age of Reason: New Ways to Improve Human Race

3.  Ancient Greece: The city state of Athens practiced and introduced democracy. The word is Greek meaning “rule by the people”  Ancient Rome- Had a well balanced representative government with 3 branches.

4. Magna Carta  In 1215 the English barons forced the unpopular King John to sign this document.  It protected the rights of nobles, and made sure no one was imprisoned without trial  Included the concept that no man--not even the king--is above the law  Preserved individuals’ rights like the Bill of Rights

5. Mayflower Compact  1620- Colonist at Plymouth Rock came up with the first agreement for self-government ever used in America  Framers of the constitution were inspired by the long history of local self- government and wanted to make sure it continued.

6. Judeo-Christian Beliefs  The framers were Christians and believed in observing the 10 commandments.  Example: People are equal in the eyes of God and deserve equal justice

7. Age of Reason  Time period when people where encouraged to think. There were tremendous advancement in science and math.  Believed in education, tolerance and free speech.

8. British Government  Monarchy- rule by king or queen  Constitutional monarchy- a form of government in which a king or queen reigns with limits to their power along with a governing body (ex.: Parliament)Parliament  Today the British have a Parliamentary government.Parliamentary  System in which legislative and executive branches are combined in a parliament.