Introduction

American Democracy has a long and complex history, and it can be difficult to understand the origins of the United States' democracy. This worksheet provides a comprehensive overview of the roots of American democracy, including the ideas and events that helped shape the nation. With the help of this worksheet, students can gain a better understanding of the development of American democracy and its lasting impact on the world.

The Influence of Ancient Greece and Rome

The roots of American democracy can be traced back to the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient Greece was the first major civilization to develop democratic principles, and its democracy was based on the idea of direct democracy. The government was run by elected officials who were chosen by the people. In Rome, the idea of indirect democracy was developed, which allowed elected officials to represent the interests of the people.

The Influence of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a period in European history that saw the emergence of secular, rational thought. During this period, many philosophers developed ideas about how a government should be run. These ideas included the belief that all people should be equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas heavily influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States and helped shape the government they created.

The Influence of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta was an important document that was signed by King John of England in 1215. This document established the principle that the king was subject to the law and that the people had certain rights that could not be taken away by the government. This document was an important influence on the Founding Fathers, who used it to develop the legal framework for the United States government.

The Influence of the English Bill of Rights

The English Bill of Rights was a document that was passed by Parliament in 1689. This document established the principle that the people had certain rights that could not be taken away by the government. This document was an important influence on the Founding Fathers, who used it to develop the legal framework for the United States government.

Conclusion

The roots of American democracy can be traced back to the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the Enlightenment, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights. These documents and ideas heavily influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States and helped shape the government they created. By understanding the roots of American democracy, students can gain a better understanding of the development of American democracy and its lasting impact on the world.