UNIT 1“Building Blocks”

Chapters 1-2Achieving Independence

Chapter 1

American Roots

Beginnings to 1732

Chapter 1, Section 1

Roots of Democratic Governmentp. 6-11

American constitutional government has roots in several European traditions.

Section Focus Question:

What are the roots of American government?

Judeo-Christian TraditionsMain Idea: Judaism and Christianity helped shape many basic moral and spiritual values.

• Judaism: monotheistic– belief in one God– Moral code: the Ten

Commandments - stress respect for God & how people should treat one another.

• Christianity: also monotheistic– Emerges from Jewish traditions

through the teachings of Jesus– Jesus was executed by the

Romans for his teachings.– Jesus’ followers call themselves

Christians.• Moral code: the Ten

Commandments• Teachings of Jesus: love,

mercy, and forgiveness.

Judeo-Christian Influences• Both religions spread throughout Europe.– Eventually the teachings come to America.

• Main Ideas: Justice, morality, and equality– The Hebrews (Jews) teach that even powerful

rulers are subject to the law.– The Christians teach that all people are equal in

the sight of God: rich or poor; free or slave• Influences: – Declaration of Independence – U.S. Constitution

The Greco-Roman TraditionMain Idea: Ancient Greece and Rome have a strong influence on modern American government.

• Athenian Democracy: direct democracy - an assembly of citizens who make decisions (and laws) for the government – Also introduce trial by jury: accused are judged by a panel of peers

• Roman Republic - system of government where citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf, govern in the name of the people

The School of Athens-by Raphael

Greco-Roman Influences

p. 9 in your book

English Parliamentary TraditionsMain Idea: In England, a form of government developes based on the idea that individuals have certain rights.

• Magna Carta: The “Great Charter” is the 1st document to place restrictions on the power of the English king.

• Parliament: an elected legislature with the power to make laws– “Power of the Purse” (to tax)

• English Bill of Rights: list of rights the government promises to protect (from William & Mary – 1689)– habeas corpus - cannot be held in

prison without being charged with a specific crime

King John signs the Magna Carta in 1215

Section Focus Question:Q: What are the roots of American

government?A: American constitutional government has roots in Greek, Roman, and English Parliamentary traditions.