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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

Social Contract Theory Civics: Government and Economics in Action

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

“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

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?

Civics: Government and Economics in Action French and Indian War From 1754-1763, 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

Civics: Government and Economics in Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civics: Government and Economics in Action

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