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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
History of American Democracy
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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was created in 1215, The Magna Carta protected the authority and control of the Nobles. It also gave more rights to land owners, such as eqaul treatment under the law and trial by one's peers. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Magna_Carta.jpg/800px-Magna_Carta.jpg -
The First Colonists Land in America
The colonists were still loyal to England, and they adopted many of England's customs. The ruler was not above the law, and also expected basic rights. Jamestown was the first permanent settlement, which is now Virginia. However they would not stay loyal to England for very long... http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/graphics/13map.gif -
House of Burgesses
Jamestown was controlled by a council and governor appointed by the Virgina Company. But in 1619, the colonists made the House of Burgesses. The House was the first assembly of represntatives. They did not have much power, but it was a small important step to the democracy we have today. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg -
Mayflower Compact
Even before the America bound colonists reached land, they made a written plan for government. 41 of the Men sailing to America signed the Mayflower Compact. All through the colonial period, town meetings were arranged to settle local issues and problems. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/The_Mayflower_Compact_1620_cph.3g07155.jpg/800px-The_Mayflower_Compact_1620_cph.3g07155.jpg -
John Locke (1632-1704)
John Locke was a philosipher that lived from 1632-1704. Locke believed that everyone was created equal, and deserves the same rights as everybody else.
"All mankind... being all equal and independant, no one ought to harm another in his life, heath, liberty, or possesions." http://www.glogster.com/media/3/8/87/64/8876494.jpg -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights restricted the Kings power even more than the Magna Carta. It guaranteed free elections to parliment, stopped unusual and cruel punishments, and the right to a fair trial. It also gave the colonists the right to bear arms. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689.jpg -
Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)
Another frenchman, Baron de Montesquieu, had the idea to break apart government into branches to make it more balanced, so one part cannot become more powerful than another. Montesquieu's and Locke's ideas played a huge part in shaping America's government. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Charles_Montesquieu.jpg/200px-Charles_Montesquieu.jpg -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
Jean-Jacques Rousseau Was another philosopher that wrote "Man is born free, yet everywhere he is found in chains." That means the government is keeping the people down . He believed that only the people should determine how they are governed. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Jean-Jacques_Rousseau_(painted_portrait).jpg/200px-Jean-Jacques_Rousseau_(painted_portrait).jpg -
Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called "Common Sense" which expressed his ideas about seperating from Britain. He thought it was 'common sense' to stop following King George lll becaue he was a 'royal brute'. He conviced many of the Second Continential Congress that the colonies needed to break away from Britain. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/2/2d/20061025103632!Thomas_Paine.jpg -
Declaration of Independence Approved
Thomas Jefferson is the author of this important piece of parchment. The Delcaration of Independence explains why the U.S. should be a free nation, apart from England. The King did not pay attention and did not really care about the colonists. Another large part of the Declaration is to protect the rights of the people. This marked the day America got its independence. http://www.google.com/imgres?q=declaration+of+independence&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&bw=1093&bih=560&tbm=isch&tbnid=BSLrfJOUjvzyNM:&img
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