Our English Heritage

Early English Influence Early American ideas of democracy and government can be traced back to early English rule. England was ruled by a “monarchy” for centuries.

Early English Influence “Monarchy” is a form of government where the nation is ruled by a king or queen

Rule of King John (1199-1216)

Rule of King John (1199-1216) The rule of King John of England met resistance from his noble families. In 1215, they rebelled in order to maintain their authority and privileges.

The “Magna Carta” (1215) “Magna Carta” (“Great Charter”) was signed by King John. It was a contract that limited the power of the monarch by guaranteeing that no one is above the law (even the king or queen)

The “Magna Carta” (1215)

Early English “Parliament” King Henry III continues the idea of meeting with nobles and church officials during his rule. This group of advisors becomes known as “Parliament”.

Early English “Parliament”

Rule of King James II (1685-1688)

Rule of King James II (1685-1688) By the 1680’s, King James II began to fight with Parliament over power. In 1688, King James is removed from power without violence.

The “Glorious Revolution” (1688) William & Mary (the king’s daughter) are invited to take over the throne of England. The peaceful transfer of power is known as the “Glorious Revolution”.

“English Bill of Rights” (1689) The new “English Bill of Rights” were drawn up at this time by Parliament. They stated that the English monarch had no power over the Parliament and could never again control it’s actions.

“English Bill of Rights” (1689)                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The new document also declared members of Parliament would be freely elected. It gave English citizens many of the rights that future American leaders would apply.

Early English Law Early English law was based on customs that developed into the basis for future laws. Court systems were created to enforce these new laws.

Early English Law Early judges ruled on cases based on “precedents”. A “precedent” is a ruling in an earlier case that was similar. This created consistency among rulings.

“Common Law” “Common Law” is a system of law based on precedent and customs. Court decisions determine law, not regulations made by lawmakers.

“Common Law” Today, American property, contract, and personal injury laws are based on this English idea of “common law”.

The English “American Colonies”                                                        

The English “American Colonies”                                                         

The “American Colonies”                                                          When the American colonies were established in the mid 1600’s, they brought with them English traditions of government and law.

Jamestown, Virginia (1607)

Jamestown, Virginia (1607) “Jamestown” is the first English settlement in America. Created in 1607 by the Virginia Company (merchants from London).

Jamestown, Virginia (1607) King James I granted a “charter” to the Virginia Company. A “charter” is a written document granting land and authority to set up a colonial government.

“House of Burgesses” In 1619, the “House of Burgesses” becomes the first representative assembly (or legislature) in the English colonies. Actually had little power, but marked the beginning of self government in America.

Arrival of the Pilgrims

Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620)

Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620)

“Mayflower Compact”

“Mayflower Compact” (1620) 1620, members of the “Mayflower” voyage drew up a written plan for how their government would run. A “compact” is an agreement or contract among a group of people.

“Mayflower Compact” (1620) 41 of the men aboard agreed to this compact. “Mayflower Compact” established a tradition of direct democracy still seen in New England today.

From “England” to “Great Britain” In 1707, England unified the island by absorbing Scotland and Wales. “Great Britain” is the new name of the English empire (adopting the new flag to the right)

From “England” to “Great Britain” “England” = “Great Britain” “English” = “British” All the same!!!

English Colonies Grow                                                        

English Colonies Grow By 1733, there were 13 English colonies from Massachusetts to Georgia. Each colony maintained their own colonial governments.

Colonial Governments Colonial governments each had an appointed governor and a legislature Only free adult males participated.

Colonial Governments As time moved on, the colonial governments did more and more on their own. The “British” government remained occupied at home…