The American

Revolution
Another Step in the Timeline of Democracy
 Discussion Question
 Think back to what we have learned so far this year
and name at least 3 different instances, events, or
time periods where democracy or democratic
principles have happened.
 Purpose of today:
 To see how the Magna Carta, the Glorious
Revolution, and the Enlightenment helped to shape
the American Revolution and the creation of our
Constitution and Bill of Rights.
 The Glorious Revolution
 1688 Mary and William of
Orange (Dutch) overthrow
Mary’s father King James and
become new rulers of England.

 James flees to France.

 Overthrow is peaceful/non-
violent. Becomes known as the
Glorious Revolution.

 Mary and William agree to a

limited monarchy.

 They sign the English Bill of

Rights which limits power of
monarchy and gives basic rights
to the people of England.
 American Revolution
 American colonies part of
the British Empire.
 Many are unhappy over
unfair taxation and other
violations of rights (unfair
imprisonment, seizing of
property, etc.)
 July 4, 1776 the
Continental Congress signs
the Declaration of
Independence.
Declaration of
Independence
 Written by Thomas
Jefferson
 Heavily influenced by
Enlightenment thinkers:
 John Locke
 Natural Rights- life,
liberty, property
 Social contract between
people and the
government.
 Government has an
obligation to the
people!
 American Constitution
 America wins
independence from Britain
in 1783.
 First attempt at
government: Articles of
Confederation
 Each state is sovereign and
there’s no strong central
federal govt.
 Too weak to rule effectively.
 1787-leaders to meet to
create US Constitution.
American Constitution
 Constitution creates:
 Federal Republic: Power
divided between federal
govt. and states.

 Separation of Powers-3
branches
 Baron de Montesquieu

 Bill of Rights
 John Locke-natural
rights
 Bill of Rights

 Bill of Rights
 First 10 amendments to the
Constitution
 Heavily influenced by John
Locke and other
Enlightenment thinkers.
 Citizens have basic rights
that the government must
protect!
 Freedom of Religion
 Freedom of Speech
 Freedom of Press
 & More!