CH 2: The Origins of the American GovernmentSection 1: The Colonial Period

The English colonists brought with them a heritage of freedom

and principles of government that helped shape the development of

the United States.

The concept of limited government, dating from the Magna Carta, was an

accepted part of the English system.

The Petition of Right in 1628 severely limited the power of the

English monarch. 

The colonists believed in the limits on the ruler’s power and the freedoms protected in the English Bill of Rights passed by

Parliament in 1688.

The colonists firmly believed in a representative government,

following the model of Parliament.

The ideas of the seventeenth century English philosopher

John Locke deeply influenced the American colonists.

• John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property

Using your textbook p37, answer:

•Why were John Locke’s ideas considered revolutionary?

Where did our ideas on government come from?

• The present system of American government evolved largely from colonial governments and their practices.

Written plans of government were a key feature of the

colonial period.

Representative assemblies elected by the people helped establish the

tradition of representative government in America.

The division of government powers among the governor, the colonial legislatures, and colonial courts helped establish the principle of

the separation of powers.

Let’s Sum It All Up!• Answer the questions listed below in your

notes while you view this:• Magna Carta

, English Bill of Rights, and American Government

• 1. How does a constitution limit government?

• 2. What 3 things are in the Magna Carta? • 3. What are the key features of the English

Bill of Rights?

Let’s Compare!MAGNA CARTA – 1215• 1. No taxation w/o

representation •  •  •  • 2. Trial by jury•  

Check it out…• 1. Article I, Section 2 &

Article 1, Sec.2, 1• 15th Amendment, 24th

Amendment, 26th Amendment, 16th Amendment,

•  • 2.Bill of Right- 6th

Amendment•  

PETITION OF RIGHT – 1628• 3. Monarch needs consent

from Parliament to collect taxes

•  •  • 4. Need just cause to

imprison people•  •  •  • 5. No Quarter (cannot house

troops in private homes)

Check it out…• 3.Article I, Section 7 and 8•  •  •  • 4.Bill of Rights- 5th

Amendment•  •  •  • 5.Bill of Rights- 3rd

Amendment•  

ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS- 1689• 6. Monarchs do not have divine

right•  •  • 7. Monarch cannot interfere w/

Parliament elections•  •  • 8. Petition the gov’t•  •  •  • 9. No cruel or unusual

punishment

Check it out…• 6. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, • Preamble•  • 7. Article I, Section 2•  •  •  • 8.Bill of Rights- 1st Amendment•  •  •  • 9.Bill of Rights- 8th Amendment