Unit 1 2 Where Ideas Came From

Slide 1: Our American Political Culture and where we got these ideas

Slide 2: This is our American Government Culture-things we believe in… • Majority Rule/Minority rights • Justice • Equality • Liberty • Rule of Law/Limited Government • Due process • Democracy • Consent to be governed • Innocent until proven guilty • Rights-trial by jury, free speech, freedom from illegal searches.

Slide 3: Where did these ideas come from? • Hebrews- – (Ten Commandments)-laws based on morals • Greeks- – (direct democracy)-everyone participated directly (smaller society) • Romans- – (Classical republic)-elect people to represent you. People practice “civic virtue”. Society is small and homogenous. Promotion of the common good. Moral education.

Slide 4: Where did these ideas come from? Continued… • Old English Documents – Magna Carta • (1215) first document to limit the King’s power • Established Due process – Habeas Corpus Act • (1678) government must tell you what you are being held for and show evidence against you. – English Petition of Rights • Government could not tax without consent • Government could not quarter troops – English Bill of Rights • Parliament replaced dominant power of King (legislative supremacy) • Trial by jury • No cruel and unusual punishment • Right to bear arms

Slide 5: Where did these ideas come from? Continued… • Philosophers – Locke • Natural rights • Consent to be governed • Right to abolish government • Social contracts – Montesquieu • Separation of powers • Checks and Balances – Hobbes • Need for government because if not, strong will take over the weak. • Life will be nasty, brutish, and short. • Social contract