 Monarchs provided protection in return for loyalty, taxes, military support  Magna Carta- contract that limited the power of monarch and granted certain rights to citizens.

 Parliament- started as a group of nobles to help the King make decisions. This became their parliament.  Common Law- system of laws based on precedence and customs.

 King grants charter (a written document granting land and authority to set up colonial governments in the behalf of he king).  Virginia House of Burgesses est.-first form of self government in colonies

 Mayflower Compact- Pilgrims new they needed rules in order to survive in the new colony so they created a plan and all signed it before landing  Established a tradition of direct democracy

 Colonies were prospering. England wanted to benefit from this and started to tax the colonies.  Colonist did not like these taxes and attempts at control.  They boycotted British good in hope of repealing taxes

 Didn’t like Stamp Act, Tea Act and Intolerable Act. Action-Boston Tea Party.  First Continental Congress-delegates met in Philadelphia to discuss problems and solutions. Made demands on King George.

 War began and the Colonist began thinking about independence.  Second Constitutional Congress-developed Declaration on independence- written by Tomas Jefferson

 Declaration stated that the purpose of Gov’t was to protect the rights of the people.  Gov’t based on consent of the govern  People can change the gov’t if it disregards their rights

 Each state created a constitution. Bicameral (2 house) legislatures.  Est. a governor to carry out laws set up by legislature.  Also guaranteed a Bill of Rights  Massachusetts’s constitution divided power of government between governor, legislature, and courts. Officials effected by citizens. Becomes bases for US Constitution.

 First constitution of the United States of America  Confederation between states.  Est. legislative body to control army and deal w/ foreign affairs

 Lack of Power- can’t tax, regulate trade, no power to enforce laws  Lack of Central Power- no single leader, no national court  Rules too rigid-difficult to pass laws, unanimous agreement for change.