1. Historical Influence on American Government

2. The Ancient Greeks

3. Athens practiced pure democracy
Each citizen had direct decisions on laws, taxes, and war.
Gets difficult to use with larger populations.
Idea that citizens participate in government.

4. Ancient Rome

5. Ancient Romans developed a republic.
Senators were elected to represent people in specific regions of Rome.
Senators developed policies concerning war, economics, and common public issues.
Idea that people elect someone to represent them in government.

6. The British

7. Thomas Hobbes: State of Nature = no govt.
British philosophers of the 1600s influenced America’s Founding Fathers.
Thomas Hobbes: State of Nature = no govt.
People’s lives and rights always in danger
Govt is necessary to protect life and property.
John Locke: Natural Rights Philosophy
Every one has right to life, liberty and property
Govt is necessary to protect these rights
Social Contract: People give up some freedom for protection govt provides

8. The Iroquois Confederacy

9. Collection of six Native American tribes.
Lived in mainly modern day New York
6 tribes created a central govt. The govt had representatives from the 6 tribes.
Handled collective matter such as war and trade.
A simple model independent states working together.