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The Roots of American Democracy Chapter 2 Section 1 English Political Heritage Colonial government would never be an exact copy of the British system. Colonial leaders adapted old ideas, based on English traditions, to a new environment. Representative Government • Tradition began in 11th century. • Evolved into bicameral, or twochamber, legislature • Nobles comprised Upper House. • Local representatives participated in House of Commons. Limited Government • Began in 1215 when King John signed Magna Carta • Moved from rule of man to rule of law • Outlined individual rights which king could not violate • Included taxation and trial provisions English Political Heritage Individual Rights • 1628: King Charles required to sign Petition of Right • Required monarchs to obtain Parliamentary approval before levying new taxes, also could not • • • • • • • unlawfully imprison people or establish military rule during times of peace Extended conflict between Charles and Parliament erupted into civil war in 1642. Charles defeated, beheaded 1685: renewed conflicts and rebellion between the Crown and Parliament 1689: William and Mary chosen to rule, but had to govern according to statutes of Parliament 1689: English Bill of Rights passed Free speech and protection from cruel and unusual punishment guaranteed Glorious Revolution established constitutional monarchy. Intellectual Influences Intellectual Influences • In addition to English traditions, ideas were key to transforming loyal English colonists first into revolutionaries and then into founders of a new nation. Republicanism • Idea of representative government going back to Greece and Rome • Highly values citizen participation, public good, civic virtue • Influences included Aristotle, Machiavelli, de Montesquieu, others Judeo-Christian Influences • Religious heritage common to both Christianity and Judaism • Law and individual rights of divine origin Intellectual Influences Enlightenment Thinkers • Enlightenment—Intellectual movement in 18th century Europe • Classical liberal concerns addressed in Enlightenment • Framers of U.S. Constitution believed in people’s natural rights to life, liberty, and property. • Social contract—People form a government to protect their rights • Philosophers John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau important contributors • Economic and civil liberties important as well • Other influences included Adam Smith, Voltaire, William Blackstone.
