origins of the us government _reed

By reed_cia
  • 509 BCE

    Roman Republic

    Senate advised the magistrate in a way similar to how the US Senate works in partnership with the Executive Branch
  • 508 BCE

    Athenian Democracy

    The Athenian government modeled a form of government where citizens elected their leaders. The US adopted a similar form of democratic government in which citizens elected their leaders that was inpired by this Athenian process.

  • Thomas Hobbes

    The recognition of unalienable rights, social compact, and limited government. They disagreed on how the government had absolute power over the people.

  • John Locke

    According to John Locke's social contract theory, ordinary people have the right to resist and potentially overthrow a government that exceeds its proper authority. This is a right people have when the government violates the natural rights of life, liberty, and property and shows a sustained pattern of tyranny.

  • Baron de Montesquieu

    He advocated for the separation of powers, that the executive, legislative, and judicial powers should be distinct and separate branches. The executive carries out and enforces the laws, the legislative makes the laws, and the judicial branch interprets and applies the laws. This prevents any branch from becoming too powerful. In the US, this concept is reflected in the Constitution with the executive headed by the President, legislative by Congress, and judicial branch by the Supreme Court.

  • William Blackstone

    Blackstone believed that the laws of a country were meant to protect three things life, liberty, and property. As he puts it, "So great moreover is the regard of the law for private property, that it will not authorize the least violation of it no, not even for the general good of the whole community." This is reflected in the laws of the US, particularly in the Constitution, like due process, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to own property.

  • The Declaration of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence is divided in three sections: the preamble, the grievances against King George III, and the conclusion. It was trying to show the principles of human equality and natural rights. The grievances show a list of abuses of power by King George III, like imposing taxes, interfering with colonial governments, and maintaining a standing army without consent. This showed the importance of individual rights and self-determination and inspired support from foreign nations

  • The Articles of Confederation:

    The Articles of Confederation:
    The Executive Branch, The Judicial Branch, and The Bicameral Legislature. These changes were essential for a more effective and cohesive federal government, addressing the weaknesses and limits of the Articles.

  • George Washington

    1st Precedent. Cheif foriegn diplomat
    2nd Precedent. Preferred to be called President of the United States.
    3rd Precedent. Chose 1st Justice of the Supreme Court.
    4th Precedent. Can only do 2 terms.
    5th Precedent. Established cabinet members (Strong and famous leaders)
    6th Precedent. Use Militia/ National Guard.
    7th Precedent. No lifetime appointment

  • The Constitution of the United States of America

    This in the US Constitution serves as an intro statement that shows purposes of the Constitution. It shows principles the framers aimed to set, like forming a perfect union, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for common defense, general welfare and securing liberty. Each is important but the most important is "We the People." This phrase shows foundation, showing the authority of the people. this shows the Constitution was created from democratic principles upon the US being built.

  • The Bill of Rights

    Its hard to say which is most important but i think Political Expression or freedom of speech is the most important. It allows people to show their opinions, dislikes of the government, and be in political discourse. It's really important for a democracy because it allows people to hold the government accountable.

  • Thomas Jefferson

    He helped found the Democratic-Republican Party. They were against a strong central government and the Federalist Party. The Federalists advocated for a broader interpretation of the Constitution, stronger federal government, and policies like a national bank. A strong disagreement between the two parties was over the issue of federal assumption of state debts.

  • James Madison:

    Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay authored the Federalist Papers, in the late 1780s, Madison addressed the issue of factions, which could possibly undermine the effectiveness of government. He argued they were a consequence of people and attempting to eliminate them would be contrary to the principles of liberty. Instead he extended the sphere incorporating a range of interests, he believed that it would make it harder for any one faction to be in control of the political landscape.