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The Roots of American Government

The Roots of American Government. Team Yukon History. Judeo-Christian Tradition. America was founded by people who believed in various forms of Christianity Judaism teaches that even the most powerful ruler is subject to God’s law

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The Roots of American Government

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  1. The Roots of American Government Team Yukon History

  2. Judeo-Christian Tradition • America was founded by people who believed in various forms of Christianity • Judaism teaches that even the most powerful ruler is subject to God’s law • Christianity teaches that anyone, rich or poor, can achieve everlasting life • In other words: “In the eyes of God, all people are . . .?”

  3. Ancient Greece • Ancient Greece was a DIRECT DEMOCRACY • Ordinary citizens made laws for the society • Jury service – Athenians were required to serve on juries so the accused could have a jury of their peers

  4. Ancient Rome • Rome was a REPUBLIC • A REPUBLIC is a system of gov’t in which the people choose representatives who govern for them • Another name for a republic is a REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

  5. England – Magna Carta • In 1215, the English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta—the first time limits were placed on the king’s power • Limits the monarch’s power to tax • Protects right to own private property • Guarantees right to trial by jury • Created a Great Council to advise the king • This later becomes Parliament

  6. English Bill of Rights • A bill of rights is a written list of freedoms that a government promises to protect • Secures many of the rights from Magna Carta, including trial by jury • Upholds habeas corpus • Latin for “present the body” • A person cannot be held in prison without being charged with a crime

  7. Mayflower Compact - Massachusetts • It is the first written document to create a representative government in the colonies • Signers promised to obey the “just and equal laws” to be made by the government • Strengthened the English tradition of representative government

  8. Virginia House of Burgesses • Created by Virginia Company in 1619 • The HoB made laws to ensure the survival of the colony • It is the first example of a working representative government in the colonies • A representative government is a system where voters elect others to make laws for them

  9. New England town meeting • A town meeting is a gathering in which residents meet to make decisions for the community • Once a year, New England villagers gather to discuss and decide local issues • The town meeting keeps what tradition alive???

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