EUROPEAN INFLUENCES

ON

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Ancient Greeks and Romans

• Ideas of democracy and representative government more than 2,000 years ago

• A Democracy in Ancient Greece!

• A Republic in Ancient Rome!

A Democracy in Ancient Greece

• Athens demos kratia = democracy

• Democracy --- government by the people

• Who was a citizen in Athens?

• What is direct democracy?– People participate directly in decision making through

voting on issues

A Republic in Ancient Rome

• What is a republic?

A form of government in which people elect representatives to govern them

• Codified Law – written laws to prevent abuse

The Influence of English GovernmentAbsolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy

• 1st European nation to experiment with democracy is Britain

• English common law – law based on accepted customs, traditions, and past decisions – same legal ideas to all English citizens

• Magna Carta 1215• Parliament• English Bill of Rights 1689

Influence of European Philosophers

• “Enlightened Thinkers” –Thinkers apply reason and scientific

ideas to government

• Known as “philosophes”– One who searches for wisdom and knowledge

• John Locke

• Jean Jacques Rousseau

• Baron de Montesquieu

John Locke1690 First and Second Treatises on Government

“Contract Theory” of Government

• “Natural Rights” - Inalienable right to life, liberty, and property

• People create government and chose to be governed (consent of governed)

• Government to protect rights of people

• If a ruler violates the people’s natural rights, then it is O.K. to rebel and form new government

Jean Jacques Rousseau• The Social Contract - 1762

• In an ideal society, people would form a community and make a contract with each other, and not a ruler

• People would give up some of their freedom in favor of the needs of the majority

• The community would vote on all decisions and everyone would accept the community decision

Baron de MontesquieuThe Spirit of Laws --- Limited Government

• To protect natural rights of citizens, a need for limited government

• How do you limit government powers?–Separation of Powers (L, E, J)–Checks and balances–Divides and administers powers so no

one branch becomes too powerful

Conclusion

• Our Founding Fathers found great political wisdom in the past!

• Our Federal Government combines ancient Greek and Roman ideas with English government and European philosophy from “Enlightened” thinkers!

Review!• What characteristics of the American

system of government reflect the influence of the Ancient Greeks and Romans?

• What impact did English ideas and practices have on American government?

• How did the ideas of “Enlightened” thinkers influence our Constitution?