Origins of American Political Ideals

Origins of American Constitutional Government

• English colonists brought knowledge of England's political system, common law, and constitutionalism.

• These ideas, rooted in ancient times, influenced the founding of America.

• King Hammurabi of Babylonia's Code and Jewish legal concepts in the Hebrew Bible influenced the English.

• The rule of law, ensuring government's subservience to law, was a key concept.

• The ancient Romans' rule of law, religion, and customs influenced the English colonists' understanding of North America.

Ordered Government

• English colonists viewed the need for orderly regulation.

• Created local governments based on English laws.

• Established offices include the sheriff, justice of the peace, grand jury, and county.

Limited Government

• Introduced the limited government concept.

• Rooted in English belief.

• Believed in unalienable rights of individuals.

• Concepts developed in England for 400 years.