U.S. Constitution What influenced the Founding Fathers?

Drafting the Constitution The Continental Congress had the responsibility to write a document that would list the rules and rights of the American people. The framers (writers) looked at other documents that helped govern other groups, nations and colonies to help them with ideas. Let’s take a look:

Magna Carta 1215 After the death of Henry II, the rule of England fell to his son, Richard I, and later to another of his sons, John. These leaders were not effective. John lost territory to the French, which upset many. He also increased taxes and oppressed many of his people, arresting them without trials. In 1215 A.D., many of the nobles in England, who were tired of losing their power, and who were concerned by the tyrant-like behavior of John, came together and wrote a document called the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in history. It guaranteed the people certain rights, and bound the king to certain laws. After writing the document, these nobles forced King John to sign it on the threat of civil war. Their intention was only to protect the rights of nobles. They did not care so much about the poor peasants. Nevertheless, in time, the rights established by the Magna Carta were also extended to commoners.

English Bill of Rights 1689 The English Bill of Rights established a constitutional monarchy in Great Britain. The English Bill denounced King James II for abusing his power and the bill was passed as British law in December The English Bill of Rights clearly established that the monarchy could not rule without consent of Parliament. The English Bill put in place a constitutional form of government in which the rights and liberties of the individual were protected under English law. The English Bill of Rights had a great influence on the colonies in North America and the Constitution of the United States.

Basic Rights Magna Carta: Limited the powers of the king Layed the basis for due process of law that should be known and orderly (led to Trial by Jury) Prohibited the king from taking property or taxes without consent of the Great Council English Bill of Rights: Laws should not be enacted without the consent of Parliament No armies raised in peace time No taxes levied without consent of Parliament Free elections Members should be able to speak & act freely in Parliament No excessive bail or fines No cruel or unusual punishment

Mayflower Compact 1620 The Mayflower Compact was a document signed by 41 male Pilgrims on November 21, By signing this document, the men agreed to form a temporary government and be bound by its laws. The compact became the basis of government in the Plymouth Colony.

"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

Virginia Constitution 1776 Limits the powers of the state government Basic rights of the citizens of Virginia Commonwealth Dissolved Great Britain’s power over Virginia Separation of powers Virginia declaration of rights: basic human rights Right to vote limited to male property holders The Commonwealth of Virginia first adopted a Constitution in 1776, while the Declaration of Independence was being written. This was a source for the US Constitution and Bill of Rights Writers included George Mason and James Madison (Thomas Jefferson was involved)

Articles of Confederation 1781 The Continental Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation during the Revolutionary War. The articles were written to give the colonies some sense of a unified government. Once the thirteen colonies became the thirteen states, however, each one began to act alone in its own best interest. A new governing document was needed in order for these new states to act together, to become a nation. The Articles of Confederation became effective on March 1, 1781, after all thirteen states had ratified them. The Articles made the states and legislature supreme. There was no executive branch. Judicial functions were very limited. The resulting government was weak. Efforts to make it stronger failed. A convention called in May 1787 to re-write the Articles decided to draft an entirely new Constitution.

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States. Stemming from wartime urgency, its progress was slowed by fears of central authority and extensive land claims by states before was it was ratified, or made effective, on March 1, Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes. Congress was also given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money.

Document Comparison Magna Carta1215 English Bill of Rights No taxes w/o consent No armies in peacetime No excessive bail or jail Mayflower CompactPlymouth, Mass Virginia Constitution 1776 Articles of Confederation Term limits for state delegates; no treaties with other nations; defend each other; each state is sovereign