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Important Documents

Important Documents . Magna Carta. 1215 The English noblemen forced King John to approve it. Limited the power of the King and protected the rights of noblemen and freemen. This document served as a basis for provisions in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Which include:

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Important Documents

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  1. Important Documents

  2. Magna Carta • 1215 • The English noblemen forced King John to approve it. • Limited the power of the King and protected the rights of noblemen and freemen. • This document served as a basis for provisions in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Which include: • Trial by Jury • Approval of taxes by an elected group • The right to due process of law (prevents unfair imprisonment and seizure of property)

  3. English Bill of Rights • 1689 • Established by William and Mary • Said that government should be based on laws not the ruler’s decrees. (1 of 2)

  4. English Bill of Rights Cont. • Similarities between English Bill of Rights and US Constitution: • Congress must approve taxes • Congress must meet regularly • Free elections • No excessive fines or cruel punishment • Freedom of speech is guaranteed

  5. Mayflower Compact • Written November 1620 by the Pilgrims that came to America escaping religious persecution. • The Pilgrims landed in Plymouth signed this document. • Set up fair and equal laws.

  6. Declaration of Independence • 1776 • American colonies declare independence from Britain. • Based on 2 basic principles: • Governments gain their power from the consent of the governed. (popular sovereignty) • All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

  7. Articles of Confederation • America’s first attempt at government. • It was replaced because it did not have the ability to regulate trade, levy taxes, raise an army, or regulate currency.

  8. Federalist Papers • 1787-1788 • A series of essays arguing in favor of ratifying the US Constitution. • Argued that checks and balances would allow for a strong central government but still protect states’ rights. • Helped the Constitution get ratified and are still used to help interpret ittoday.

  9. United States Constitution • America’s Second attempt at government. • Ratified in 1787 • It is a combination of the Virginia and New Jersey Plan: • Virginia: Representation based on population (House of representatives) • New Jersey: Equal Representation for all states. (Senate) • Includes the Bill of Rights: • First 10 amendments • These cannot be changed. • Essential for the constitution to be ratified. • Usually referred to as a “living document” because of its ability to change and grow as time passes.

  10. Emancipation Proclamation • Document issued by Abraham Lincoln. • Stated that all slaves living in states in armed rebellion against the union are free. • Did NOT abolish slavery. • Most slaves did not even know about the proclamation until years after it had been issued.

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