The first ideas for government in America came from the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims sailed from England on a ship like the one pictured here. Before they landed, they wrote a contract on the Mayflower. In the contract, they agreed to make laws and rules "for the general good of the colony." As the colonies grew, many rules and laws were needed.
In Chapter 1, you will learn about events that shaped our country and the rules and laws we have today.
Goals for learning in this chapter:
1. To describe the reasons for forming the American Government
2. To identify ways the American government was influenced by the governments of ancient Greece and Rome.
3. To identify principles from English Government that influenced American government.
4. To describe the political ideas from the original thirteen colonies that became part of the American government
5. To describe the events that led to the American colonies' decision to fight for independence.
6. To Name the basic rights stated in the Declaration of Independence.