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Origins of American Government

Origins of American Government. The Colonial Period . Combined English ideas with native groups Magna Carta English document signed in 1215 Started the idea that the monarch was not all-powerful Provided the basis for limited government , power of the government was limited, not absolute.

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Origins of American Government

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  1. Origins of American Government

  2. The Colonial Period • Combined English ideas with native groups • Magna Carta • English document signed in 1215 • Started the idea that the monarch was not all-powerful • Provided the basis for limited government, power of the government was limited, not absolute

  3. English Bill of Rights • Set clear limits on what a ruler could and couldn’t do • Monarchs do not have absolute authority • Monarch must have consent to end law • Monarch cannot interfere with elections • People have the right to a fair and speedy trial and petition the government • People cannot be subject to cruel and unusual punishment

  4. Representative Government • Representative government, people elect delegates to make laws and conduct government • England had a two house system, which the US adopts • New political ideas • John Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau influenced American colonists • All people are born free, equal, and independent. Contradicts divine right theory • People are not born with an obligation to obey rulers

  5. Government in the Colonies • Colonies were set up very different than our country today, but the all had: • A written constitution • Legislature of elected representatives • Separation of powers • Mayflower Compact (1620) • Agreed to chose their own leaders and make their own laws

  6. Colonial Legislatures • Virginia House of Burgesses was the first legislature in America, est. in 1619. • Separation of powers, each section of government had powers to check on the other parts of government.

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