5 Important Documents that influenced our Founding Fathers

What is the background of the Magna Carta? Back in the middle ages, England was ruled by a king, he shared some of his power with his citizens. In the early 1200’s King John tried to take all the power for himself. The citizens fought back, and created a document called the Magna Carta that limited the power of the king and protected the citizens rights.

What is the purpose of the MAGNA CARTA? 1. Required King John of England to protect citizens rights 2. Limited the King’s power 3. Protected citizens privileges

Important ideas that came from the Magna Carta 1. Limited Government- the power of the government is limited by the Constitution 2. Rule of Law- This means no one is above the law! Ex. Even the president has to follow the same laws we do 3. Due Process- Every person has the right to fair and reasonable laws.

Mayflower Compact Background The Pilgrims left England in a ship called the Mayflower which was headed to Virginia. A storm blew the ship off of course and then ended up in Massachusetts. They landed in an independent territory and needed a government fast The men agree to create a new government and follow its laws.

Mayflower Compact The Mayflower Compact was the first time we saw self-government Self-government- when people create their own government, and agree to follow laws When we broke away from Britain, the 13 colonies made up there own self- government, where everyone agreed to follow the laws.

The importance of the English Bill of Rights The English Bill of Rights showed limiting the power of the government, and giving more rights to the citizens. Our government came up with the Bill of Rights for the U.S. Constitution from the English Bill of Rights.

Common Sense A pamphlet that was written by Thomas Paine that encouraged colonists to seek independence from England and to move forward with self-government. It was just “common Sense” that we should Want independence from Britain.

Why was Common Sense written? The pamphlet accused King George III of England of tyranny, and blamed him for unfair treatment. The pamphlet called for a new government that could not abuse power, and would have written Constitution with a set of rules.

Why was Common Sense important? Thomas Paine communicated the ideas for independence from Britain, and made it easy for everyday colonists to understand.

Popular Sovereignty The idea that people who live in a region should determine for themselves their government. Government is created and sustained by the consent of its people