1. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Chapter 4:
America’s Political
Heritage
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

2. Chapter Links Section 1 “The Colonial Experience” Section 2
“Roots of American Government”
Section 3
“Moving Towards Nationhood”
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

3. “The Colonial Experience”
Section 1
“The Colonial Experience”
Section Outline:
I A Voice in Government
II. Citizenship in the Colonies
III. Some Roots of Freedom
IV. Signs of Discontent
Main Idea:
During the colonial period, Americans established traditions of freedom and self-government.
Key Terms:
Heritage
Legislature
Charter
Tyranny
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

4. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
A Voice in Government
Legislature
A group of people chosen to make the laws
From the beginning the colonists were used to having a voice in government
Royal Authority
The English monarch established each colony through charter, or document giving permission to create a government.
Preserving Rights
The Colonists were resistant to rule from England
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

5. Citizenship in the Colonies
Differences
Being an English citizen in the colonies during the 1600 and 1700’s was very different than being an American citizen today
Voting
Very few colonists were allowed to vote
Common Good
The colonists had the responsibility to work toward the common good of their society.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

6. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Some Roots of Freedom
Many of the freedoms we enjoy in America today have been unknown throughout history
Religious Freedom
Many early colonists came to America to escape religious persecution and find religious freedom
Freedom of the Press & The Zenger Trial (1735)
The colonists could not print anything that was critical of the government.
The John Peter Zenger trial inspired “Freedom of Speech”
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

7. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Signs of Discontent
England and the Colonists
By the mid 1700’s, England had tightened control over the colonies
Many colonists accused England of tyranny, or the abuse of power.
A growing number of colonists began to wonder if England planned to strip them of their rights and silence their voice in government.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

8. “Roots of American Government”
Section 2
“Roots of American Government”
Section Outline:
Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome
English Tradition
Relying on Reason
Main Idea:
American colonists began to think about what they wanted from their government. They looked to models from ancient Greece and Rome, English history, and European philosophers.
Key Terms:
Direct Democracy
Republic
Natural Rights
Separation of Powers
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

9. Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome
Athens
Created the world’s first democracy; a form of government in what laws are made directly by the citizens.
Citizens were allowed to vote to pass laws or make decisions.
Rome
In 509 B.C. founded a republic; a government in which representatives are elected to pass laws.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

10. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
English Tradition
The Magna Carta
In 1215 empowered English noblemen forced King John to sign a document listing rights that even the monarch could not take away from nobles.
The English Bill of Rights
In 1689 the English legislature, called Parliament, passed a Bill of Rights which further limited the Monarch’s power.
This listed the rights of all English citizens.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

11. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Relying on Reason
Europe in the 1600 and 1700’s
Philosophers wrote the people have the power of reason; the ability to think clearly.
Natural Rights: Rights people are born with and that no government can take away.
Famous Philosophers: John Locke & Montesquieu
Separation of Powers
Dividing government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

12. Social Contract Theory
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

13. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Journal assignment
On the back of your chart, explain in 4-5 sentences which influence you think is the most important for our government and why.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

14. “Moving Towards Nationhood”
Section 3
“Moving Towards Nationhood”
Section Outline:
I. A Clash of Views
II. The Declaration of Independence
III. Organizing a New Government
IV. A Limping Government
Main Idea:
After becoming dissatisfied with English rule, the colonies declared themselves an independent nation. After winning the American Revolution, they turned to task of strengthening and improving their new government.
Key Terms:
Compact
Ratification
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

15. Open note Pop quiz What is an oligarchy?
How was John Locke an influence on U.S. government?
How is a unitary and confederate government different in terms of who or what holds most of the power?
What freedom did the John Peter Zenger trial inspire?
Would you describe the U.S. as a “melting pot” or “mosaic?” Why?

16. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
French and Indian War
From , the colonists fought alongside the British
England felt as if it was the reason they won the war
After the war, England began taxing the colonists to repay its debts
Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts, etc.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

17. Civics: Government and Economics in Action

18. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
A Clash of Views
English View
Parliament represented all English citizens, including the colonists.
Colonists View
Since no colonists served in Parliament, nor could colonists vote for Parliament, English government did not attend to colonial needs.
Trade Conflict
Parliament only allowed the colonists to trade with England.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

19. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
A Clash of Views (cont.)
“No Taxation Without Representation”
When Parliament decided to raise money to pay its debts by taxing the colonies.
This enraged many colonists.
Steps Toward Independence
1774: The First Continental Congress
1775: The Second Continental Congress
1775: Fighting breaks out in Massachusetts
1776: “Common Sense” is published
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

20. 1st Continental Congress
1774 in Philadelphia
Decided a course of action to deal with tyranny
Cut off trade w/England
Meet again in 1 year
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

21. 2nd Continental Congress
1775 in Philadelphia
Many radicals wanted independence
Not everyone agreed
Began organizing army and government
Made Washington Commander of Cont. Army
Appointed ambassadors, generals, printed money
Could not levy taxes
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

22. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Common Sense
Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine (1776)
Explained independence in common terms
Britain was too detached geographically
Did not take colonists point of view into account
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

23. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Assignment
Find a partner
Create a speech of ½ - 1 page in length supporting either the English or Colonial view of the new taxes
Create a poster to be posted in the town hall to advertise your position
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

24. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Journal
What are 5 ideas or grievances or topics which will be in the D.o.I?
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

25. Declaration of Independence
Read “The Declaration of Independence” on p.97-98
Author
Purpose
Examples of Enlightenment thought 1. 2.
Audience
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

26. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
Journal
Does the D.o.I. succeed at explaining the colonists’ issues with England? Put it this way…if you were a colonist fighting in the revolution, would this give you reason to keep fighting? Explain.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

27. The Declaration of Independence
“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.”
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

28. The Declaration of Independence
“…whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and institute new Government.”
Writers
The Second Continental Congress; Including: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.
Signed on July 4th 1776
As the American Revolution was being fought
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

29. Organizing a New Government
Compact
A written agreement to make and obey laws for the welfare of the group
State Constitutions
During and after the Revolution, each state had its own constitution
The Articles of Confederation
1777: The original compact between the soon-to-be independent colonies.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

30. Articles of Confederation
Outline
Allowed for a national legislature, with each state having one vote.
There was no judicial branch.
Problems
The Articles of Confederation needed the ratification or approval of all 13 states.
Many of the states had different opinions on whether there should be a strong central government or strong state governments.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action

31. Civics: Government and Economics in Action

32. Civics: Government and Economics in Action
A Limping Government
Post-war Problems with Debt and Trade
Congress had borrowed a large amount of money to pay for war supplies, but could not pay these debts back.
Congress was unable to regulate trade with England and other English colonies
Shays Rebellion
1786: Hundreds of angry Massachusetts farmers lead by Daniel Shays revolted to show their anger over poor trade conditions. This exposed a weak American government.
Civics: Government and Economics in Action