Ancient Influence
The Polis
Independent, self-governing city-states in Ancient Greece
Montesquieu's influence
Separation of Power into 3 branches of government
The 4 words said to the King...Why the colonists were mad!
No Taxation Without Representation
Our "Breakup letter" to the King
Declaration of Independence
This limits government abuse of power because nobody is above the law
Rule of law
This civilization had Democratic principles, voting rights and a written constitution
Ancient Greece
This philosopher gave us the ideas of protecting people's life and liberty
John Locke
The King's response when Colonists demanded change
"I don't care", Ignored them
Another word for complaints
Grievances
Basic rights based on reason that can not be taken away
Natural rights
The Definition of Republicanism from Ancient Rome
Rule by elected representatives
Things about The Social Contract
Power from the people, Government exists to protect our natural rights, if they don't we can change the government
Stamp Act...
Taxes on documents like newspapers, letters, etc)
If the government becomes "destructive of" protecting our rights, what can we do?
Due process
Legal fairness/process before our natural rights can be taken away
A few ideas our founding fathers got from Ancient Rome
Republicanism, Representative Government, Separation of Powers, Civic Participation and Rule of Law
The first social contract in what became the United States of America. Written on a boat
Mayflower Compact
This was written as a result of the King of England continuing to limit the Colonist's rights
Declaration of Independence
3 of the grievances in the Declaration of Independence
Imposing taxes without consent
suspending trial by jury
limiting judicial powers
forced quartering of soldiers
ending colonial legislatures
Limited government
A few influential ideas from Judeo-Christian Tradition
Ethical ideas of justice, individual worth, rule of law and personal responsibility
Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, "Common Sense"
These acts were when the King blocked trade, closed colonial legislatures and ended trial by jury
Intolerable Acts
This Philosophers' ideas influenced Thomas Jefferson the most as the Declaration was written
John Locke
Everyone in the USA can practice whatever religion they want (or none at all)
Religious Liberty