Roots of American Democracy

1. Roots of American Democracy Our English Heritage

2. Ancient History • The American style of government can be traced back to ancient times • Hammurabi's Code • Democracy in Athens • 12 Tables and Justinian Code in Rome • Etc.

3. What Influenced Colonial Government • The Magna Carta - 1215 A.D., a document that limited the control of the monarch - gave rights and privileges to nobles and landholders - rights were eventually extended to all English people and included trial by jury

4. Parliament • By late 1300’s England had legislative body known as parliament • Glorious Revolution took place in 1688 - Parliament was now more powerful than the monarch • 1689-The English Bill of Rights - free elections, fair trial and elimination of cruel/unusual punishment

5. Common Law • Appeared in England • Laws passed on precedent or rulings in an earlier case. • Still exists today.

6. The Enlightenment • Philosophical movement in 16 and 1700’s • Emphasized natural rights, social contracts and separation of power • John Locke, Rousseau and Montesquieu • Greatly influenced American forefathers

7. Self-Government in the Colonies • Beginning in 1600’s England began establishing colonies in America • 1ST permanent English settlement was Jamestown,VA • It was a joint-stock company based on charters • House of Burgesses -1st representative legislature in the English colonies

8. Representative Government • Pilgrims and Puritans settled in Massachusetts • Created a written plan for government called The Mayflower Compact • Held town meetings

9. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut • America’s first written constitution!!! • By 1733, England had 13 colonies in America and each colony had its own representative government.