civics: government and economics in action 1 chapter 4: americas political heritage

Civics: Government and Economics in Action

1

Chapter 4: America’s Political

Heritage


2

Chapter Links

Section 1“The Colonial Experience”

Section 2“Roots of American Government”

Section 3“Moving Towards Nationhood”


3

Main Idea:

During the colonial period, Americans established traditions of freedom and self-government.

Key Terms:•Heritage•Legislature•Charter•Tyranny

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


4

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


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.


6

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”


7

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.


8

Section Outline:I. Looking to Ancient Greece and Rome

II. English Tradition

III. 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

Section 2“Roots of American Government”


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.


10

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.


11

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.

Social Contract Theory


12

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.


13


14

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

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

Open note Pop quiz1. What is an oligarchy?

2. How was John Locke an influence on U.S. government?

3. How is a unitary and confederate government different in terms of who or what holds most of the power?

4. What freedom did the John Peter Zenger trial inspire?

5. Would you describe the U.S. as a “melting pot” or “mosaic?” Why?

15

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 Action16


17


18

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.


19

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

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


20

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


21

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


22

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


23

Journal

• What are 5 ideas or grievances or topics which will be in the D.o.I?


24

Declaration of Independence

Author

Purpose

Examples of Enlightenment thought 1.2.

Audience


25

Read “The Declaration of Independence” on p.97-98

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.


26


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.”


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


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.


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.


31


32

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 1 chapter 4: americas political heritage

Documents

government legislature

self government

form of government

government royal authority

england slide

american colonists

religious freedom freedom

early colonists