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Foundations of American Government: Concepts and Influences

Explore the fundamental concepts and historical influences shaping early American governance, from English colonial origins to the path to independence.

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Foundations of American Government: Concepts and Influences

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  1. A Quiz??? On What??

  2. L.O. 1: Identify 3 Basic Concepts of Government that influence the American Colonies The English colonists in America brought with them three main concepts: • The need for an ordered social system, or government. • The idea of limited government, that is, that government should not be all-powerful. • The concept of representative government—a government that serves the will of the people. 2 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 1

  3. Where did these ideas come from? Hammurabi 1750 B.C.E. Code of law: Uniform, “Divine,” or “natural” State as the authority to enforce law Social Justice Concepts – “an eye for an eye” Hebrew Law – The Old Testament Judeo Christian Law based on the Ten Commandments (Life, liberty, and property??? • Spread by the Roman Empire Feudalism in Europe: a “Contract” • Lord ---Vassals---Peasants • The rights of Englishmen under fuedal • tradition become “common Law”

  4. L.O. 2: Explain the significance of Important English Documents to the development of American Ideas about government The way our government works today can be traced to important documents in history: • Magna Carta • English Petition of Right • English Bill of Rights 2 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 1

  5. U.S. Bill of Rights??? Which Amendment?? See Amendments (18) Your text, p.29 (chart) may also be helpful

  6. U.S. Bill of Rights??? Which Amendment?? See Amendments (18)

  7. L.O. 3: Describe the three types of colonies established in America There were three types of colonies in North America: royal, proprietary, and charter. • The royal colonies were ruled directly by the English monarchy. • The King appoints a governor and “council of advisors” (would become the “upper house of the colonial legislatures.) • Landholders would elect a lower house of advisors…bi-cameral legislature • Governor appoints judges 2 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 1

  8. The Thirteen Colonies There were three types of colonies in North America: royal, proprietary, and charter. • The King granted land to people in North America, who then formed proprietary colonies. • Charter granted to a proprietor • Proprietor appoints governor • William Penn –Pennsylvania and Delaware • Lord Baltimore – Maryland • Primary Source – Maryland toleration Act 2 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 1

  9. The Thirteen Colonies There were three types of colonies in North America: royal, proprietary, and charter. • The charter colonies were mostly self-governed, and their charters were granted to the colonists. • Rhode Island and Connecticut • Governors are elected by landowners • Largely independent 2 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 1

  10. Back to that Quiz 2.1 • L.O. 1: Identify basic concepts that influenced government in America • L.O. 2: Analyze the significance of Early English efforts to expand rights on Colonial thought.

  11. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. British Colonial Policies • Until the mid-1700s, the colonies were allowed a great deal of freedom in their governments by the English monarchy. • Primary Source: In America’s Legacy • In 1760, King George III imposed new taxes and laws on the colonists. Why this “renewed interest in the Colonies? • 1. To pay for debts incurred during the French and Indian War (1763)…payment for protection (taxes) • 2. To avoid future conflict on the frontier (Proclamation of 1763) • Actual vs. Virtual Representation?? 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  12. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. British Colonial Policies • Proclamation of 1763 • What prompted the Proclamation? • Quartering Act of 1765? • Colonists viewpoint? 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  13. Describe the ideas behind the American Revolution and their role in shaping the Constitution Irritants Sugar Act 1764 Currency Act 1764 Stamp Act 1765 Townshend Duties Quartering Act of 1765 No representation in Parliament Tea Act 1773 Protests and boycotts Sons of Liberty bring down the stamp Act Boston Tea Party Road to Revolution …Or…”it’s the economy stupid.” (27)

  14. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. Intolerable/Coercive Acts

  15. Early Attempts In 1643, several New England settlements formed the New England Confederation. A confederation is a joining of several groups for a common purpose. The Albany Plan In 1754, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union, in which an annual congress of delegates (representatives) from each of the 13 colonies would be formed. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. Growing Colonial Unity The Stamp Act Congress • In 1765, a group of colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York….response to the policies of King George • These delegates prepared the Declaration of Rights and Grievances against British policies and sent it to the king. 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  16. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. Primary Source Readings • 1. Provide a summary/explanation of the reading • 2. Discuss how the work reflects the “American” view of government and the relationship between government and the governed. • Present/discuss your thoughts on the “Questions for Discussion.” • Patrick Henry’s Speech (RED) • Adam Smith (GREEN) • Thomas Paine (PURPLE) • Virginia Declaration of Rights (BLUE/White)

  17. L.O.3: Outline the growth of colonial self-government and actions that led to an independence movement. The Continental Congresses • First Continental Congress • The colonists sent a Declaration of Rights to King George III.George’s Response • The delegates urged each of the colonies to refuse all trade with England until British tax and trade regulations were repealed, or recalled. • Second Continental Congress • In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia. • The Second Continental Congress served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781. 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  18. L.O.5: Analyze the Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

  19. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Background • January 1776 – Common Sense is distributed throughout colonies • June 7, 1776 - Richard Henry Lee offers a resolution to Congress that “these United Colonies…ought to be free and independent” • June 11, 1776 – Congress appoints a committee to write a Declaration of Independence: Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson

  20. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence More Background • July 4, 1776 – Declaration of Independence is adopted by Congress, John Hancock was the first person to sign it • August 2, 1776 – Declaration of Independence is signed by 50 present members of Congress, Franklin remarks “We must all hang together or we shall hang separately.”

  21. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Main Author – Thomas Jefferson • Although there were 5 men appointed to write the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was the main author • Congress only accepted the Declaration of Independence after they cut a large portion that attacked slavery

  22. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Enlightenment • Jefferson used the Enlightenment ideas of JOHN LOCKE • People are born with certain natural rights: life, liberty and property • People form governments to protect these rights • If governments interfere with these rights, the people have the right to OVERTHROW them

  23. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Purpose • To show why the colonies were revolting against Britain and Declaring their Independence

  24. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence 4 Parts of the Declaration of Independence • Preamble • Declaration of Natural Rights • List of Grievances • Resolution of Independence

  25. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence PREAMBLE • First part of the Declaration of Independence • Introduction • Explains why the Continental Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence

  26. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Preamble “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to separate.” When it is necessary for people to separate from their government, these people need to tell others the reasons why they are separating.

  27. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Declaration of Natural Rights • Second part of the Declaration of Independence • Lists the rights of the citizens • Explains that in a republic, the government is there to protect the rights of the people • Jefferson calls these rights UNALIENABLE rights, which means they can never be taken away

  28. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” TAKEN FROM?? These ideas are taken from the Enlightenment thinker, John Locke who said people have natural rights like life, liberty and property. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Declaration of Natural Rights

  29. “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed…” Reflections of Locke? Government’s job is to protect the rights of the people Governments should get their power from the people they govern L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Declaration of Natural Rights

  30. “ That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government and provide new Guards for their future security.” TRANSLATION?? If a government is not protecting the people’s rights the people have the right AND obligation to overthrow that government and start a new one. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Declaration of Natural Rights

  31. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence List of Grievances • Third part of the Declaration of Independence • List of the colonists’ complaints with England • They specifically blame King George III • There are 28 grievances, or complaints, that are listed in this section of the Declaration of Independence

  32. Here are some of the complaints: British soldiers in colonies without permission Quartering British troops in the colonies Not punishing these troops when they harm colonists Cutting off the colonists’ trade with the rest of the world Taxing the colonists without their permission L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence List of Grievances QUARTERING ACT NAVIGATION ACTS STAMP ACT TEA ACT INTOLERABLE ACTS

  33. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Resolution of Independence • Final part of the Declaration of Independence • Declares that the colonies are “Free and Independent States” • Includes the signatures of the signers of the Declaration of Independence

  34. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Resolution of Independence • These states have the power to: • Declare war • Trade with other countries • Form alliances

  35. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence The Signers John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. (He signed it very largely so King George could see it “all the way from England.”) There were 56 signers of the Declaration from all of the 13 colonies. Signing the Declaration was considered treason, punishable by death

  36. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence Remember… • Main idea of Declaration of Independence and Constitution – governments should be based on the consent of the governed 2. Declaration of Independence states that people have the right to overthrow an oppressive government 3. The main purpose of the Declaration is to JUSTIFY the colonists’ revolt against England 4. There are 4 Sections: Preamble, Declaration of Natural Rights, List of Grievances, Resolution of Independence 5. The Declaration created “free and independent States…sovereign states.

  37. L.O. 4: Analyze the Declaration of Independence American Independence: Four Docs Act. “We hold these truths to be self evident…” • For Wednesday: • Complete Four Docs activity • Complete 2.2 Quiz • 2. Read pp. 44-47 • 3. Complete the 2.3 Guided Reading Worksheet 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  38. L.O.5: Describe American Government under the Articles of Confederation Common Features of State Constitutions Common Features of State Constitutions Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Civil Rights and Liberties Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances Between 1776 and 1777, most of the States adopted constitutions instead of charters. The principle of popular sovereignty was the basis for every new State constitution. That principle says that government can exist and function only with the consent of the governed. The people hold power and the people are sovereign. The concept of limited government was a major feature of each State constitution. The powers delegated to government were granted reluctantly and hedged with many restrictions. In every State it was made clear that the sovereign people held certain rights that the government must respect at all times. Seven of the new constitutions contained a bill of rights, setting out the “unalienable rights” held by the people. The powers granted to the new State governments were purposely divided among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch was given powers with which to check (restrain the actions of) the other branches of the government. 1 3 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 2

  39. Take –Home Quiz Review

  40. L.O. 5: Describe American Government under the Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation established “a firm league of friendship” among the States. Powers Congress was given the power to declare war, deal with national finance issues, and settle disputes among the States. Obligations The States promised to obey Congress, and to respect the laws of the other States. Most other powers were retained by each State. 1 2 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 3

  41. L.O. 5: Describe American Government under the Articles of Confederation What is a Confederacy?..Why a Confederacy? • Strengths??? “Free and Independent States” Sovereignty???

  42. L.O. 5: Describe American Government under the Articles of Confederation Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation 1 2 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 3

  43. L.O. 5: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention Economic Crisis and Shays’ Rebellion Primary source readings: “Divergent responses to economic crisis” Terms: balance of trade, hard money, specie, currency contraction, vertical economic mobility, creditor, debtor, acrimonious Identify the main arguments of • Opponents of paper money (“Curtius”) • Advocates of paper money (“Willing To Learn”) Shays’s Rebellion More on Shays

  44. L.O. 5: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention A Call for a Stronger Government • Representatives from Maryland and Virginia met at Mount Vernon, Virginia, in 1785 to discuss trade issues. • The meeting was so successful that the Virginia General Assembly requested a meeting of all thirteen States, which eventually became the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. 1 2 4 5 Chapter 2, Section 3

  45. S E C T I O N 4Creating the Constitution • Who were the Framers of the Constitution? • What were the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan? • What were some of the compromises on which the Constitutional Convention agreed? • What sources did the delegates draw on and how did they react when they completed the Constitution? 1 2 3 5 Chapter 2, Section 4

  46. L.O. 2.4-1: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention Who were the Framers of the Constitution? 1 2 3 5 Chapter 2, Section 4

  47. Gentlemen in Philadelphia and Philosophy in Action Who attended Constitutional Convention? 55 delegates from 12 states Not “average” people - Wealthy planters, lawyers, merchants. They ignored their instructions to revise the Articles and set about designing a new government….WHY? Because the dissenters stayed home! High principles versus self-interest Human nature…Hobbes, Locke, Adam Smith…SELF INTEREST! Political conflict results from factions…pursuing self interest Purpose of government…Protect natural rights (Locke) Nature of government…Limited government (Locke) …Separation of powers (Montesquieu) L.O. 2.4-1: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention

  48. Gentlemen in Philadelphia and Philosophy in Action The Framers were worried that the majority faction would tyrannize minority factions — specifically, the majority without property (remember Shays’s Rebellion?) would try to use government to redistribute wealth from the wealthy minority composed of themselves. They intended to design a government that would prevent this. Preserving property, they believed, was the principle object of government. L.O. 2.4-1: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention

  49. Critical Issues at the Convention L.O. 2.4-1: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention • Equality Issues • Economic Issues • Individual Rights Issues

  50. Equality IssuesSmall vs. large…Slave vs. Free…Rich vs poor Equality and representation of the states New Jersey Plan Virginia Plan Connecticut Compromise Slavery Equality in voting L.O. 2.4-1: Describe how/why the need for a stronger National Government led to a Constitutional Convention 2.4

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