UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

-The British colonies were first successfully settled in 1607 with most people coming from England -They brought with them English rights -These rights were based always on the principals of limited government and representative government -Limited government states that government is not “ all powerful ” -A representative government has its people elect delegates to speak for them Page 1 British Tradition UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

-In 1215, the English people forced King John to sign the Magna Carta Effects: Limited the monarch ’ s power Page 2 Limited Government in England UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies The Magna Carta takes power from the King …

-In 1215, the English people forced King John to sign the Magna Carta Effects: Limited the monarch ’ s power Instituted trial by jury -In 1628, King Charles I was forced to sign the Petition of Right Effects: Taxes could not be levied without Parliament ’ s consent Forbid the housing of soldiers in private homes Page 2 Limited Government in England UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

Page 3 The Signing of the Magna Carta UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

Banned the jailing of British citizens without just cause -In 1688 William and Mary of Orange were forced to sign the English Bill of Rights Effects: Balances power between King and Parliament Page 4 (Continued) UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies The English Bill of Rights balances power between the King and Parliament …

Banned the jailing of British citizens without just cause -In 1688 William and Mary of Orange were forced to sign the English Bill of Rights Effects: Balances power between King and Parliament No cruel and unusual punishment The right to a speedy trial Freedom from excessive bail Page 4 (Continued) UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

-British citizens have had a representative government since the 1200s when Parliament convened for the first time -English Parliament has two houses In the Colonies … The House of Burgesses -The 1 st representative government -Located in Jamestown (Virginia) -Other 12 colonies had representative legislatures Effects: Set a standard for representative government Page 5 Representative Government in England UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

-England did not and does not have a written plan of government (i.e. a constitution) -The United States has a long history of having such written plans -The first of these is the Mayflower Compact (1620) written and signed by the Puritans (Pilgrims) previous to landing at Plymouth Effects: Committed to pass “ just and equal laws ” Used a majority rule system Page 6 Written Plans of Government UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

Page 7 The Signing of the Mayflower Compact UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies

-The first formal constitution in North America came in 1639, called the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Effects: Property owners were granted the right to vote Page 8 (Continued) UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #2 Beginnings of U.S. Government LESSON #1 Government of the British Colonies