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Roots of American Government

Chapter 4, Section 2

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The Foundation of Democracy

• Growth of Democracy –Not steady through

the years–At times, governed

by monarchs–Other times, ideas

of democracy have spread

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Athens, Greece

• Athens–1st Democracy–Citizens took part in

Assembly (right to speak)–Decisions were

carried out by Athens council who governed

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Different DemocraciesDirect Democracy• Smaller population makes this

possibleRepresentative Democracy• Larger population • People choose leaders to govern

them • Government based on

Representative democracy is called a republic– EX: U.S.

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Roman Republic

Govt. in the hands of Senate. • Members were Patricians

(wealthy upper class)• Two Consuls to led– If Consul disagreed with

each other, the other could VETO (I forbid)

• Common citizens: Plebeians: gained political equality in 266 B.C.

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After the Roman Empire CollapsedKings and Lords ruled most of Europe• Inherited land, wealth, and

power• As towns grew, Lords

weakened • Kings’ power grow protecting

towns– Nobles resisted

• King John rose up 1215• Agreed to sign Magna

Carta (Great Charter)

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Magna Carta limited kings powerForbade taxes on Nobles w/o their consent

Rights to Freemen: – Equal treatment– Trial by one’s peers

Est. LIMITED GOVT.– Kings do NOT have all the

power

Under the Magna Carta rights given to nobles only

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Kings that Followed in England

• By 1300s’ representatives of the common people advised King– Advisors become the

legislature (lawmaking body) called Parliament

• Parliament worked well until King Charles I dismissed Parliament

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Petition of Rights

• Once Parliament as recalled, they forced King to sign the Petition of Rights. – Limited King’s power more– Civil war broke out

• Parliament put Charles I on Trial. – Executed

• Message to others: No King can claim absolute power and ignore the rule of law.

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James II (Charles’s brother)• James II inherited throne– Flaunted his Catholic Faith

• Parliament as James’s Daughter Mary and husband William to rule– Arrived with army– James Fled in Bloodless

overthrow– Called: Glorious

Revolution.

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English Bill of RightsWm. & Mary had to accept the English Bill of Rights before they were crown.– Parliament power of Monarchy– Summon Parliament regularly– Trail by jury – Abolish excess fines, cruel

punishments– Habeas Corpus (no person held in

prison w/o being charged of crime)

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Limited Power of Monarchy

• DEF: Constitution or legislative body limits the monarch’s power–Monarch has to obey

the law–Govern in partnership

with parliament