Influences on American Government

The Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact(8.28)

Essential Question: How did the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact influence the development of government in America?

The Magna Carta English document signed in 1215

Name means “Great Charter”

Limited the power of the monarch

How did it influence American Government? Gave Americans ideas about:

Property rights Right to a trial by jury Legislative taxing power

English Bill of Rights Established in 1689 when William and

Mary took over England after King James II was kicked off of the throne by Parliament.

Kept the king from passing laws without Parliament’s consent

How did it influence American Government? Gave Americans ideas about:

Legislative power (checks and balances)

Basic rights of citizens

Mayflower Compact Established by the Pilgrims for the

general good of the colony

First attempt by colonists to govern themselves

How did it influence American government? Gave Americans ideas about:

Self-government through laws made BY THE PEOPLE

Summarizer/Extension Activity Three-tab foldable covering

The Magna Carta The English Bill of Rights The Mayflower Compact For each, include:

How the document influenced early American government

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