English Documents & The United States Constitution Unit 2 Day 4

The Magna Carta : “Great Charter” Signed by King John The document was a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that he, the king, would govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law. Was an attempt to get the king to stop abusing his power. Established “checks” on the king’s power. (US Constitution) Due process (US Constitution) The idea of a “higher law” (Supremacy Clause/US Constitution)

English Petition of Rights Approved by Charles I In the 17 th century King Charles I broke up Parliament and in response Parliament came up with the petition. The focus of the petition was the violations King Charles I was committing. denying Englishmen due process, protection from unjust seizure of property or imprisonment, the right to trial by jury of fellow Englishmen, and protection from unjust punishments or excessive fines (United States Bill of Rights/ US Constitution)

The English Bill of Rights King William and Queen Mary of Orange Englishman had certain unalienable rights. Unless Parliament consented, monarchs could not: establish their own courts or act as judges; prevent Protestants from bearing arms, create a standing army; impose fines or punishments without trial; or impose cruel and unusual punishments or excessive bail. Free speech in Parliament was also protected. These rights are found in First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments of the US Constitution.

Virginia Company of London Granted by King James I. on April 10, 1606 The Virginia Company was granted it’s own authority to run it’s own colony. A ruling council in England, composed of members of the joint-stock company who were usually merchants was formed immediately after King James I granted the charter of The councilors were appointed by the king. The council in England issued instructions to the first settlers appointing a colonial council to make daily decisions. Governor Lord Delaware took over when the council proved to be ineffective.

The First Charter of Virginia 1606 The First Virginia Charter is one of the founding documents of the United States. Written at the very beginning of the colonial period, the First Virginia Charter extended the "rights of Englishmen" to colonists.

The Articles of Confederation The first written Constitution of the United States Described a national government with a Congress empowered to make peace, coin money, appoint army officers, control the post, and negotiate with Native American tribes. Retention of each state’s sovereignty. One vote in the Continental Congress per state. Nine states needed to pass any measure. The selection and payment of delegates to Congress by their respective state legislatures.

Problems Under The Articles of Confederation The Congress had no power to tax. States coined their own money and trade wars erupted. Congress had no power to regulate commerce among the states or ensure a unified monetary system. States conducted foreign relations without regard to neighboring states' needs or wants. Duties, tariffs, and taxes on trade proliferated with different ones in each state. No provision for an executive branch responsible for implementing laws of Congress. No provision for a judicial system applicable to all the states. Failure to create a strong central government.

Representative Democracy Definition: is a form of government founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the people. The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with the responsibility of acting in the people's interest.

Unscramble the Preamble We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.