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Origins of American Government

Origins of American Government. The Historical Context of the Creation of the US Constitution. 13 British Colonies. British traditions of government ordered, limited and representative 3 Important Documents. Magna Carta-1215 trial by jury due process private property.

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Origins of American Government

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  1. Origins of American Government The Historical Context of the Creation of the US Constitution

  2. 13 British Colonies • British traditions of government • ordered, limited and representative • 3 Important Documents • Magna Carta-1215 • trial by jury • due process • private property

  3. Petition of Right 1628 • Parliament demanded: • right to a lawful trial • no martial law in times of peace • no quartering of soldiers • taxes approved by Parliament

  4. English Bill of Rights 1688 • no cruel punishment • no excessive bail or fines • right to bear arms • right to petition

  5. Judeo-Christian Influence • All are equal in the eye’s of God • An individuals can have a direct connection with God.

  6. Colonial Governments • Royal Colonies • Proprietary Colonies • Charter Colonies • legislative assemblies • subject to London in theory; self-governing in practice

  7. the Coming of Independence • Growing attempts by Parliament to intervene in American affairs • restrictive trade laws • direct taxation • Growing Colonial Unity/Identity • 1643 New England Confederation • 1754 Franklin’s Albany Plan

  8. Stamp Act Congress- 1765 • 1770 “Boston Massacre” • 1772 Committees of Correspondence • 1773 “Boston Tea Party” • 1st Continental Congress- 1774 • response to the “Intolerable Acts” • petition • boycott • prepare to arm

  9. 2nd Continental Congress1775-1781 • Declaration of Independence • functions as government during the war • raised army/navy • borrowed money • bought supplies • created a currency • made treaties • called on states to create state constitutions

  10. Characteristics of State Constitutions • popular sovereignty- governments are empowered by/with the consent of the governed • limited government- weak executive power, many restrictions on government action • civil rights and liberties- governments had to respect “inalienable rights” of individuals • separation of power and checks and balances- prevented too much power in the hands of any one or few

  11. Characteristics of State Constitutions • generally brief • legislative branch was the most powerful • terms were short – 1-2 years • suffrage was limited • adult, white men, property-owners Massachusetts State Constitution 1780-oldest functioning constitution in the world

  12. 1st written national constitution • Articles of Confederation was approved by the 2nd Continental Congress and ratified by all 13 states by 1781. • “a firm league of friendship”

  13. textbook, The Critical Periodpages 44-45 • Read carefully and prepare a graphic organizer….

  14. textbook, The Critical Periodpages 44-45The Articles of Confederation

  15. Revolutionary War ended 1781 • huge war-time debt • more than $60,000,000 • excluded from British trade empire • not recognized by foreign governments • devalued currency • inflation • shipping no longer protected by British navy • Squabbling States

  16. Squabbling States • states are independent and competitive • militias • currency • foreign treaties • trade barriers • boundary disputes

  17. Shays Rebellion 1786

  18. Calls for Reform • Mt Vernon meeting encourages Virginia General Assemble to call for a joint meeting of all states to discuss trade. • Annapolis meeting calls for a meeting in May of 1787 in Philadelphia which will become the Constitutional Convention

  19. Simulation Scenario • The Administration and School Board have been “overthrown”. No central authority exists. • Teachers have been stripped of their power of “authority” but are not required to stay. • All young people under the age of 19 must remain on campus 8 hours a day. • At age 19, you are no longer allowed on campus. • All jobs require schooling beyond high school and entrance to such schooling is exceedingly competitive.

  20. Are there rights? How will they be assured? What are the important values to be protected? How will the individual’s voice be heard? How will the peace be kept? Who will rule? Who will mediate conflict? Who will carry out the rules? What obligations does the individual have? Will educational services be provided? How? Consider the following:

  21. Constitutional Convention • Your group may send up to 3 delegates. • Task: Create a document that will serve as the basis for law and that will establish the structure of the new government. • Include: • Purpose of document; statement of principles • Structure of the government • Distribution of power

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