Chapter 1- American Roots

Interactive Notebook

Section 1- Roots of Democratic Government

A. Judeo-Christian Traditions

1. Judaism taught that even powerful rulers were subject to God’s laws

2. Christianity declared that all people were equal in the eyes of God

B. The Greco-Roman Tradition1. The ancient Greeks

adopted a system of direct democracy

B. The Greco-Roman Tradition1. The ancient Greeks

adopted a system of direct democracy

2. Influenced by the Greeks, the Romans developed a republic

C. English Parliamentary Traditions1. The Magna Carta was the first

document to limit an English king’s power

C. English Parliamentary Traditions1. The Magna Carta was the first

document to limit an English king’s power

2. Originally a council to advise the king, Parliament became an elected legislature that had the power to limit the power of the king

C. English Parliamentary Traditions1. The Magna Carta was the first

document to limit an English king’s power

2. Originally a council to advise the king, Parliament became an elected legislature that had the power to limit the power of the king

3. In 1688, the English monarchs accepted the English Bill of Rights

Greek Traditions

American Principles

Roman Traditions

English Contribution

Significance Influence of U.S. Government

Magna Carta

Parliament

English Bill of Rights

Habeas Corpus