Origins of American Democracy

1. Origins of American Democracy From Europe to America

2. Origins of American Democracy • Recap so far we have studied • the first Americans • We met the great explorers of the age of discovery • We have placed our first two major colonial settlements Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620)

3. Origins of American Democracy • Running colonies so far from Europe would present some problems for Kings and Queens. • At first Britain had a tradition of strong local government • The Virginia House of Burgesses • The Mayflower Compact are examples of this • Britain also lacked the resources and bureaucracy to enforce its wishes

4. Origins of American Democracy • Britain had come up with the idea that if they leave the colonies alone for the most part they would do well. This policy would become what is known as "salutary neglect" . • The local governments got used to doing their own thing. • In return they would support the King. • Later after the Seven years war the king had need of more taxes and regulation of the colonists. • The King would attempt to levy more taxes and increase trade regulations. • The colonists would resent this very much and were ready to act. • This would evolve into what would become the American revolutionary war.

5. Origins of American Democracy Democracy and the development of the importance of the common man over Kings and nobility had its roots in European history.

6. Origins of American Democracy • Athenian democracy 595-338 BC The city-state of Athens develops a Direct democracy in which all male citizens over age 21 could vote in their assembly. It survived wars and plagues until Macedonia conquered Greece.

7. Origins of American Democracy • Roman Democracy 509 – 27 BC The city state of Rome became a republic when its first law code, The Twelve Tables, was made public. This form of representative government divided power between a General Assembly controlled by the lower classes and the Senate controlled by the upper classes. Democracy in Rome would eventually die under Emperor Augustus in 27 BC.

8. Origins of American Democracy • Magna Carta 1215 AD King John is forced to sign this document. He is forced to consult a parliament of English Lords before raising taxes or declaring war. Parliament would eventually include commoners.

9. Origins of American Democracy • The protestant reformation 1517-1588 reduces the power of the Catholic church over the lives of the common people.

10. Origins of American Democracy • Virginia House of Burgesses 1607-1619 becomes the first representative democratic body in America.

11. Origins of American Democracy • Mayflower Compact 1620-1621 is signed by 41 men who sailed on the Mayflower. This would foreshadow the first democratic direct democracy style government in America. This power is exercised in the local town hall meeting.

12. Origins of American Democracy • Fundamental orders of Connecticut 1636-1638 Thomas Hooker signs this document. It is a constitution that grants both democracy and religious freedom. Rhode Island was founded with similar principles.

13. Origins of American Democracy • Maryland act of toleration 1640-1649 is signed by Lord Baltimore of Maryland granting religious freedom. This was done after the Puritans defeated Charles I and executed him.

14. Origins of American Democracy • The founding of Pennsylvania 1681 was accomplished by the Quakers. This was done based upon religious toleration and democracy.

15. Origins of American Democracy • Glorious revolution 1688 – 1689 James II was ousted in England. Sir Edmund Andros is overthrown by Puritans in New England and the Dominion of New England is formed.

16. Origins of American Democracy • Salem Witch Trials 1692 The Puritans of Massachusetts conduct these trials of suspected witches demonstrating the intolerance and supressiveness of their society.

17. Origins of American Democracy • The Split of North and South Carolina 1712 the poor tobacco farmers split from southern Carolina aristocrats to form North Carolina. White settlers soon expel coastal Indians of the Carolinas.

18. Origins of American Democracy • The trial John Peter Zerger 1734- 1735 this newspaper publisher is put on trial for accusations against Royal officials in New York. He is acquitted because the accusations are true. This was viewed as a victory for freedom of the press.

19. Essay Compare and Contrast Plymouths “Direct Democracy” form of Government with Virginia’s “Representative Democracy” form of government. Be sure to use examples from your last lesson as well as today's’. Also Tell me which form you like best and why. Make this essay 1 page minimum.