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EUROPEAN INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

EUROPEAN INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. Ancient Greeks and Romans. Ideas of democracy and representative government more than 2,000 years ago A Democracy in Ancient Greece! A Republic in Ancient Rome!. A Democracy in Ancient Greece. Athens demos kratia = democracy

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EUROPEAN INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

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  1. EUROPEAN INFLUENCESONAMERICAN GOVERNMENT

  2. Ancient Greeks and Romans • Ideas of democracy and representative government more than 2,000 years ago • A Democracy in Ancient Greece! • A Republic in Ancient Rome!

  3. A Democracy in Ancient Greece • Athens demos kratia = democracy • Democracy --- government by the people • Who was a citizen in Athens? • What is direct democracy? • People participate directly in decision making through voting on issues

  4. A Republic in Ancient Rome • What is a republic? A form of government in which people elect representatives to govern them • Codified Law – written laws to prevent abuse

  5. The Influence of English GovernmentAbsolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy • 1st European nation to experiment with democracy is Britain • English common law – law based on accepted customs, traditions, and past decisions – same legal ideas to all English citizens • Magna Carta 1215 • Parliament • English Bill of Rights 1689

  6. Influence of European Philosophers • “Enlightened Thinkers” • Thinkers apply reason and scientific ideas to government • Known as “philosophes” • One who searches for wisdom and knowledge • John Locke • Jean Jacques Rousseau • Baron de Montesquieu

  7. John Locke1690 First and Second Treatises on Government“Contract Theory” of Government • “Natural Rights” - Inalienable right to life, liberty, and property • People create government and chose to be governed (consent of governed) • Government to protect rights of people • If a ruler violates the people’s natural rights, then it is O.K. to rebel and form new government

  8. Jean Jacques Rousseau • The Social Contract - 1762 • In an ideal society, people would form a community and make a contract with each other, and not a ruler • People would give up some of their freedom in favor of the needs of the majority • The community would vote on all decisions and everyone would accept the community decision

  9. Baron de MontesquieuThe Spirit of Laws --- Limited Government • To protect natural rights of citizens, a need for limited government • How do you limit government powers? • Separation of Powers (L, E, J) • Checks and balances • Divides and administers powers so no one branch becomes too powerful

  10. Conclusion • Our Founding Fathers found great political wisdom in the past! • Our Federal Government combines ancient Greek and Roman ideas with English government and European philosophy from “Enlightened” thinkers!

  11. Review! • What characteristics of the American system of government reflect the influence of the Ancient Greeks and Romans? • What impact did English ideas and practices have on American government? • How did the ideas of “Enlightened” thinkers influence our Constitution?

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