early british government unit 2. early british government why do we need to know about british...
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EARLY BRITIS
H
GOVERNMENT
U N I T 2
EARLY BRITISH GOVERNMENT
Why do we need to know about British government?
America was a British colony for 169 years. America took many ideas from European
countries.
Britain was a monarchy in the time of colonial settlement in America.
There was a king and Parliament during that time.
Colonists did not have much of a choice in laws.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH DOCUMENTS
Magna Carta: 1215 signed by King John
-Established limits on the king’s absolute authority (limited his power)
English Bill of Rights: 1688 - Limits the power of the crown- Sets out rights of Parliament
ENLIGHTENMENTWilliam Blackstone: English judgeBelieved strongly in religious
toleranceSupported the idea of self
defenseBelieved in natural rights: life
and liberty
ENLIGHTENMENTJohn Locke:English philosopherHe believed in certain natural rights
given to them by God: life, liberty and property
He also argued that the government is to protect those rights.
This is the foundation of the social contract – the agreement between people to form a government to rule over them and to abide by its rules.
Executive and Legislative Branches
ENLIGHTENMENTCharles de
MontesquieuFrench LawyerExpanded on John Locke’s
branches of government
Added judiciary branchWrote of separation of
powersBelieved that in a
republic, education is a necessity
COLONIAL DOCUMENTSMayflower Compact: Social Contract – settlers agree to
submit to the authority of government
Self-government/Majority ruleFundamental Orders of
Connecticut: First written constitution in the
coloniesVirginia House of Burgesses: First representative assembly in
the coloniesPenn’s Frames of Government: Protected rights and liberties-trial by jury-freedom of the press-religious tolerance
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENTDistance from EuropeColonists needed to make their own
laws to keep peace and orderColonists were used to English
system (Parliament)Most colonies were self-governingThese colonies elected members for
an assembly which made their laws.
Communities were isolated
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