1. The Roots of American Government
Team Yukon History

2. Judeo-Christian Tradition
America was founded by people who believed in various forms of Christianity
Judaism teaches that even the most powerful ruler is subject to God’s law
Christianity teaches that anyone, rich or poor, can achieve everlasting life
In other words: “In the eyes of God, all people are . . .?”

3. Ancient Greece Ancient Greece was a DIRECT DEMOCRACY
Ordinary citizens made laws for the society
Jury service – Athenians were required to serve on juries so the accused could have a jury of their peers

4. Ancient Rome Rome was a REPUBLIC
A REPUBLIC is a system of gov’t in which the people choose representatives who govern for them
Another name for a republic is a REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

5. England – Magna Carta
In 1215, the English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta—the first time limits were placed on the king’s power
Limits the monarch’s power to tax
Protects right to own private property
Guarantees right to trial by jury
Created a Great Council to advise the king
This later becomes Parliament

7. English Bill of Rights
A bill of rights is a written list of freedoms that a government promises to protect
Secures many of the rights from Magna Carta, including trial by jury
Upholds habeas corpus
Latin for “present the body”
A person cannot be held in prison without being charged with a crime

8. Mayflower Compact - Massachusetts
It is the first written document to create a representative government in the colonies
Signers promised to obey the “just and equal laws” to be made by the government
Strengthened the English tradition of representative government

9. Virginia House of Burgesses
Created by Virginia Company in 1619
The HoB made laws to ensure the survival of the colony
It is the first example of a working representative government in the colonies
A representative government is a system where voters elect others to make laws for them

10. New England town meeting
A town meeting is a gathering in which residents meet to make decisions for the community
Once a year, New England villagers gather to discuss and decide local issues
The town meeting keeps what tradition alive???