Citizenship 8.28 Describe the significance of the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact in relation to the development of government in America. (C, H, P) 8.33 Describe the principles embedded in the Constitution, including the purposes of government listed in the Preamble, separation of powers, check and balances, the amendment process, federalism, and recognition of and protections of individual rights in the Bill of Rights. (P)

Ideas Behind the Constitution Constitution Roman Empire = Republic Magna Carta English Bill of Rights Enlightenment = Separation of Powers Representative Government = House of Burgesses & Mayflower Compact

Ancient Rome The framers of the Constitution looked to the Roman Empire Republic = a government in which citizens rule themselves through elected representatives. Public service is admired Fate of Rome = dictatorship = a government in which one person or a small group holds complete authority. Faltered when citizens valued luxury and comfort more than freedom and service Informed citizens take an active role in their own government

Two Historic Documents Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights Citizens have rights which the government must protect Even the head of the government must obey the law. Taxes cannot be raised without the consent of the people Elections should be held frequently People accused of crimes have the right to trial by jury and habeas corpus People have the right to private property

Teachings of the Enlightenment John Locke John Locke – Two Treaties of Government – every individual has the NATURAL RIGHTS to LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PROPERTY The government is an agreement between the ruler and the ruled. If a ruler violates the people’s natural rights, the people have the right to rebel

Teachings of the Enlightenment Baron de Montesquieu Separation of Powers = the idea that powers of government must be clearly defined and divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Designed to keep one person or group from gaining too much power

Representative Traditions and the Declaration of Independence House of Burgesses = Virginia Mayflower Compact = Pilgrims (the first document of self government in North America) Each colony had written a charter – identified the powers and limits of government Declaration of Independence = list of grievances. The framers wanted to prevent similar abuses.