Download
1 / 25
250 likes | 279 Views
Learn about the early English influence on American government, including the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the concept of limited government. Discover how these traditions shaped colonial governance in America.
E N D
Early English Influence • The English brought with them a history oflimited and representative government. • England was ruled by a “monarch” for centuries.
Rule of King John(1199-1216) • The rule of King John of England met resistance from his noble families. • In 1215, they rebelled in order to maintain their authority and privileges.
The “Magna Carta”(1215) • “Magna Carta” (Latin for “Great Charter”).It was signed by King John. • It was a contract that limited the power of the monarch by guaranteeing that no one is above the law (even the king or queen) – today this is called RULE of LAW.
The “Magna Carta”(1215) • This document upheld the rights of landowners by: • protecting the English nobles’ rights • limiting the power of the Monarch –leading to a LIMITED MONARCHY!
Early English “Parliament” • “Parliament” was a group of nobles that advised the King according to the needs of their people. • It had two groups or “house” making it bicameral.
The “Glorious Revolution” (1688) King James II • In 1688, Parliament removed King James II from the throne and replaced him with William & Mary(the king’s daughter) • This peaceful transition in the monarchy was called the “Glorious Revolution”. • Parliament was now strongerthan the monarchy. William and Mary
“English Bill of Rights”(1689) • Parliasment created the “English Bill of Rights” in 1689.
“English Bill of Rights”(1689) The new document guaranteed the following: 1. King could not suspend laws without Parliament’s approval. 2. King could not create special courts without Parliament’s approval. 3. King could not impose “force” new taxes without Parliament’s approval. 4. King could not raise an army without consent of Parliament. 5. Parliament would now be freely elected (by the people). 6. All citizens would have the right to fair trial. 7. Bans cruel and unusual punishment.
Limited Government • Documents like the Magna Cartaand the English Bill of Rights created a tradition of limited government in England – the colonists would be influenced by these documents and the idea of limited government later on….
Great Britain Today • GB has a parliamentary government that is run by a Prime Minister (executive) and Parliament (legislature). (The Prime Minister is part of the Parliament –the PM gets his authority from the Parliament)
“Common Law” • “Common Law” is a system of law based on precedent and customs. • Precedent: past rulings that guide current decisions. • Today, American property, contract, and personal injury laws are based on this English idea of “common law”.
The “American Colonies” • When the American colonies were established in the mid 1600’s, they brought with them English traditions of government and law. • A colony is a group of people in one place who are ruled by a parent country elsewhere.
Jamestown, Virginia (1607) • “Jamestown” is the first permanent English settlement in America. • They were issued a “charter” - a written document granting land and authority to set up a colonial government.
“Mayflower Compact”(1620) • 1620, a new group of colonists came to settle in America; the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts • These colonists drew up the Mayflower Compact, which was a written plan for their new government!!!
“Mayflower Compact”(1620) • The “Mayflower Compact” created a tradition of direct democracy and this is the first example of SELF GOVERNMENT in the colonies.
Early Colonial Governments • By 1733, there were 13 English colonies that stretched from Massachusetts to Georgia. • Each colony maintained its own colonial government.
Colonial Governments • Each colony had a governorthat was either elected or appointed by the people and a legislature • Only free adult males participated. • Each colony had a Legislaturethat was modeled after British Parliament . • The “British” government remained occupied at home…and was located very far away from the colonies.
