1. Roots of American Government
Section 2

2. Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome
Athens
Created the world’s first direct democracy
Citizens were allowed to vote to pass laws or make decisions.
Rome
509 B.C. founded a republic

3. The English Tradition Magna Carta The English Bill of Rights
1215 English noblemen forced King John to sign a document listing rights that even the monarch could not take away from nobles.
The English Bill of Rights
1689 English legislature, called Parliament, passed a Bill of Rights which further limited the Monarch’s power.
Listed the rights of all English citizens.

4. Relying On Reason Europe in the 1600 and 1700’s Natural Rights:
Philosophers wrote the people have the power of reason; the ability to think clearly.
Natural Rights:
Rights people are born with and that no government can take away.

5. Relying On Reason Famous Philosophers: Separation of Powers
John Locke & Montesquieu
Separation of Powers
Dividing government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

6. Think About It
Why was limiting the monarch’s power a necessary first step to a representative government?