Roots of Democracy

Background information

Athens in the time of Pericles

• “First citizen “• Idea of citizenship and democracy began in

Greece• Pericles believed gov. should help the poor• Male citizens could take part in the Assembly

–lawmaking body

Roman Republic

• Headed by consuls w veto power• Senate 300 men served for life• Laws written down• Eventually lower class citizens were allowed to

hold office• judges

Magna Carta

• Challenged the Kings authority• Limited his powers• Gave nobles a sense of security b/c they felt

protected • Led to more freedom for lower class

The Petition of Right 1628

• Passed by Parliament• King could not impose taxes only parliament

could• Could not be imprisoned unless cause was

shown writ of habeas corpus• Soldiers could not be housed in people’s

homes (3rd amendment)

English Bill of Rights 1689

• Free elections for Parliament• Allow freedom of speech for members of

Parliament• No excessive bail (8th amendment)

Enlightenment Period

• Challenged the Kings divine right• People had natural freedoms• Challenged corruption of monarchy• Great influenced our democracy• People demanded a voice in government• Demanded that government change to meet

their needs

John Locke

• English philosopher• People are born w natural rights: life, liberty,

and property• Governments job to protect these rights if not

the people can revolt • Declaration of Independence