CHAPTER 2

Origins of American

Government

BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT

Ordered Government: Sheriff, Coroner, Assessor,

Townships, Counties

Limited Government

Representative Government: “of, by, and for

the people”

INFLUENTIAL ENGLISH DOCUMENTS

The Magna Carta!Trial by Jury

Against absolute power of the king

Petition of Right Limited the king’s power

No martial law during peace timeNo quartering of troops

English Bill of RightsFree parliamentary elections

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

ENGLISH COLONIES Royal Colonies - were subject to

direct control of the Crown

Proprietary Colonies - the owner was given permission by the

king and could govern at his own will

Charter Colonies – self governing

COLONIAL POLICIES AND UNITY

The colonies originally had great freedom from the central government

in England

French & Indian War (1754-1763)

Albany Plan of Union – CT, MD, MA, NH, NY, PA, RI met to discuss a

unified meeting on trade and protection

1ST & 2ND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

Spring and Fall of 1774

Discussed excessive taxes and promoted a boycott

The nation’s first government: Unicameral

One vote per stateRaised a military, made treaties, created

funds

THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

“A FIRM LEAGUE OF FRIENDSHIP”

Unicameral Congress could:

Declare WarMake TreatiesRaise an Army

Settle Disputes

Unicameral Congress could

NOT:

No power to tax No trade

regulation Laws only changed

with a unanimous vote

Powers Weaknesses

THE CONSTITUTION

Government with 3 BranchesLegislature is

BicameralRepresentation

is Based on Population

Kept a Unicameral Congress

“Federal Executive” of more than one

personEqual

Representation

The Virginia Plan

The New Jersey Plan

COMPROMISES Connecticut Compromise –

Bicameral Congress with a House and Senate

3/5 Compromise – Slaves count for 3/5 a person

Commerce and Slave Trade – Congress could not tax exports; slave trade continued until 1808

RATIFICATION Federalists vs. Anti-

Federalists

Concerns: increased central government & lacked a Bill of Rights

The Federalist Papers