Post on 29-Dec-2015
UNIT 1“Building Blocks”
Chapters 1-2Achieving Independence
Chapter 1
American Roots
Beginnings to 1732
Chapter 1, Section 1
Roots of Democratic Governmentp. 6-11
American constitutional government has roots in several European traditions.
Section Focus Question:
What are the roots of American government?
Judeo-Christian TraditionsMain Idea: Judaism and Christianity helped shape many basic moral and spiritual values.
• Judaism: monotheistic– belief in one God– Moral code: the Ten
Commandments - stress respect for God & how people should treat one another.
• Christianity: also monotheistic– Emerges from Jewish traditions
through the teachings of Jesus– Jesus was executed by the
Romans for his teachings.– Jesus’ followers call themselves
Christians.• Moral code: the Ten
Commandments• Teachings of Jesus: love,
mercy, and forgiveness.
Judeo-Christian Influences• Both religions spread throughout Europe.– Eventually the teachings come to America.
• Main Ideas: Justice, morality, and equality– The Hebrews (Jews) teach that even powerful
rulers are subject to the law.– The Christians teach that all people are equal in
the sight of God: rich or poor; free or slave• Influences: – Declaration of Independence – U.S. Constitution
The Greco-Roman TraditionMain Idea: Ancient Greece and Rome have a strong influence on modern American government.
• Athenian Democracy: direct democracy - an assembly of citizens who make decisions (and laws) for the government – Also introduce trial by jury: accused are judged by a panel of peers
• Roman Republic - system of government where citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf, govern in the name of the people
The School of Athens-by Raphael
Greco-Roman Influences
p. 9 in your book
English Parliamentary TraditionsMain Idea: In England, a form of government developes based on the idea that individuals have certain rights.
• Magna Carta: The “Great Charter” is the 1st document to place restrictions on the power of the English king.
• Parliament: an elected legislature with the power to make laws– “Power of the Purse” (to tax)
• English Bill of Rights: list of rights the government promises to protect (from William & Mary – 1689)– habeas corpus - cannot be held in
prison without being charged with a specific crime
King John signs the Magna Carta in 1215
Section Focus Question:Q: What are the roots of American
government?A: American constitutional government has roots in Greek, Roman, and English Parliamentary traditions.