1. EUROPEAN INFLUENCES ON AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

2. Ancient Greeks and Romans
Ideas of democracy and representative government more than 2,000 years ago
A Democracy in Ancient Greece!
A Republic in Ancient Rome!

3. A Democracy in Ancient Greece
Athens demos kratia = democracy
Democracy --- government by the people
Who was a citizen in Athens?
What is direct democracy?
People participate directly in decision making through voting on issues

4. A Republic in Ancient Rome
What is a republic?
A form of government in which people elect representatives to govern them
Codified Law – written laws to prevent abuse

5. The Influence of English Government Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy
1st European nation to experiment with democracy is Britain
English common law – law based on accepted customs, traditions, and past decisions – same legal ideas to all English citizens
Magna Carta 1215
Parliament
English Bill of Rights 1689

6. Influence of European Philosophers
“Enlightened Thinkers”
Thinkers apply reason and scientific ideas to government
Known as “philosophes”
One who searches for wisdom and knowledge
John Locke
Jean Jacques Rousseau
Baron de Montesquieu

7. John Locke 1690 First and Second Treatises on Government “Contract Theory” of Government
“Natural Rights” - Inalienable right to life, liberty, and property
People create government and chose to be governed (consent of governed)
Government to protect rights of people
If a ruler violates the people’s natural rights, then it is O.K. to rebel and form new government

8. Jean Jacques Rousseau The Social Contract - 1762
In an ideal society, people would form a community and make a contract with each other, and not a ruler
People would give up some of their freedom in favor of the needs of the majority
The community would vote on all decisions and everyone would accept the community decision

9. Baron de Montesquieu The Spirit of Laws --- Limited Government
To protect natural rights of citizens, a need for limited government
How do you limit government powers?
Separation of Powers (L, E, J)
Checks and balances
Divides and administers powers so no one branch becomes too powerful

10. Conclusion
Our Founding Fathers found great political wisdom in the past!
Our Federal Government combines ancient Greek and Roman ideas with English government and European philosophy from “Enlightened” thinkers!

11. Review!
What characteristics of the American system of government reflect the influence of the Ancient Greeks and Romans?
What impact did English ideas and practices have on American government?
How did the ideas of “Enlightened” thinkers influence our Constitution?