Beginnings of Citizenship

Beginnings of Citizenship

Ancient GreeceAncient Greece influenced American Government because they developed the first democracy (government in which power is held by the people).

Magna CartaThe Magna Carta was a document that influenced American Government because it ensured certain basic rights:trial by jury due process (process of appearing before a judge if charged with a crime).

Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact influenced American Government because it was our first written constitution. (A constitution is a written plan for government.)

Declaration of IndependenceThe Declaration of Independence was written to announce that the United States was free from British control.Written by Thomas Jefferson

ConstitutionThe U. S. Constitution was written as our plan of government. It is made up of 3 parts:The Preamble six goals for the United States Government7 Articles describe how government is organized and how it works27 Amendments changes or additions to the constitution (the first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights)

Bill of RightsThe Bill of Rights protect the rights of citizens from the power of the federal government. They are:First Amendment Freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly and the right to petitionSecond Amendment Right to bear armsThird Amendment Prohibits government from forcing people to house and feed soldiers in their homeFourth Amendment Protects against unreasonable searches and seizuresFifth Amendment Guarantees accused person will not be denied the right to life, liberty, and property without due process of lawSixth Amendment Guarantees the right to trial by jury, representation by an attorney, and a speedy trialSeventh Amendment Guarantees citizens the right to a trial by jury in civil cases.Eighth Amendment Protects against imprisonment or punishment that is excessiveNinth Amendment People have rights beyond those mentioned in the Constitution.Tenth Amendment Declares that powers not specifically given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

Why are they important?

The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights work together as the basis for our government. They granted us freedoms, explained how government would work, and ensured our inalienable (God given not to be taken away) rights.

John LockeJohn Locke was a European Enlightenment thinker. The Enlightenment philosophy:Stressed the rights of individualsQuestioned older ideas.Argued that people could use reason to solve problems.He believed that all people have inalienable rights God given rights that cannot be taken away by the government. These included life, liberty, and the right to own property.

Thomas Jefferson included many of these beliefs in the Declaration of Independence.

Constitution Real or Fake??Do you know whats real and whats fake? Lets take a quiz about some interesting facts from the Constitution and the people who wrote it!! Real or Fake??