1. Judaism and Christianity influenced Political Ideas
A. Many important ideas about society and government came from Judaism and Christianity. Judaism's Ten Commandments established a standard of moral conduct for society,
B. Old Testament prophets denounced tyranny and injustice, thus inspiring future generations to oppose unjust rulers.
C. Judaism and Christianity emphasize the dignity and self worth of every person.
2. Athens became the 1st democracy
A. In ancient Athens the word democracy appears for the first time.
B. Pericles stated, "Our plan of government favors the many instead of the few; that is why it is called a democracy.
C. Athens, is the worlds first direct democracy. In a direct democracy, all citizens meet in one place to make the laws for the state (town meeting) . In Athens all male citizens met in the assembly, where they debated laws and decided important government policies.
D. Athenian government had many strengths, it also had serious flaws. Only about one fifth of the people of Athens could be citizens. Athenian law denied citizenship to women, slaves and foreign residents.
E. Sparta's defeat of Athens led to a lack of confidence in Athenian democracy. This defeat produced a climate of bitterness and suspicion in Athens.
F. Socrates is going to be made the scapegoat of sorts for Athenian woes.
G. Socrates's understudy Plato was very deeply affected by the death of Socrates. The execution convinced Plato that most people lacked the wisdom needed four democratic government. In his book "The Republic" he describes his ideal state in which philosopher kings would use their wisdom and political power to create a just society. (anti democracy movement)
3. Rome developed new political ideas.
A. The people of Rome were actively involved in their government. They took pride and responsibility in participation of the government.
B. From (509 B.C. -27 B.C.) their form of government was a republic. All officials including the heads of government were elected.
C. Roman government differed from Athens in that it was not direct but based on representation, with voters electing their officials. (US govt today is a republic)
D. Another characteristic was the high regard for Roman law.
E. In 451 the Twelve Tables were brought into existence. These tables assured all citizens had a right write to protection of the law. (This lead to years later the Justinian Code which was a more extensive code of law through out Western Europe.
4. The Magna Carta and Bill of Rights limited royal power
A. Upheavals in the early Middle Ages led to destruction of Roman government. In its place feudalism and the Catholic Church provided order and stability.
B. The most common form of these governments was by monarchy, the rule by a king or queen.
C. In 1215 King John signs "The Magna Carta" or Great Charter. This protected the kingdom from a raise in taxes without the consent of the kingdom. Thus the king had to get consent before raising taxes. (clause #12) and (clause #39) provided that "No free man shall be arrested or imprisoned... except by legal judgment of his peers or by the law of the land ( due process).