Origins of American Government

1. Objective: Understand and explain the significance of four (4) landmark English documents that influenced the American colonies September 17, 2013 Origins of American Government

2. MAGNA CARTA PETITION of RIGHT HABEAS CORPUS ACT ENGLISH BILL of RIGHTS Influence of english documents

3. The Great Charter • First document to limit the king’s power • Established critical idea that the monarchy’s power was not absolute • Included guaranteed fundamental rights such as: • Due Process – protection against arbitrary taking of life, liberty, and property • Trial by jury MAGNA CARTA 1215

4. Government could not tax without consent King could no longer imprison or punish any person but by the lawful judgement of his peers or the law of the land Government may not impose martial, or military law or quartering of troops Challenged the idea of the divine right of kings declaring that even the monarch must obey the law of the land PETITION of RIGHT1628

5. Prevent unjust arrests and imprisonments Government must present cause and evidence in order to detain suspect HaBEUS CORPUS ACT1678

6. “Glorious Revolution” drawn up by Parliament to prevent abuse of power by English monarchs Prohibited a standing army in peacetime, except by consent All parliamentary elections be free Right to a fair trial No excessive bail or fines No cruel or unusual punishment Right to petition the king/government ENGLISH BILL of RIGHTS1689