1. Foundations of United States Government
The English Influence

2. 2 British Ideas that Influenced Our Government
Limited Government – establishes boundaries respected by everyone.
Representative Government – when officials are elected to represent the citizens of a country
The idea of a constitution did not come from the British
Constitution – a plan of government

3. 1. Limited Government

4. Magna Carta
Before the 1200’s, there were few limits on the King’s power.
Take their land and give it to people who were loyal to him
Tax people without approval
In 1215, the English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta or Great Charter. For the first time in English history the King’s power was limited.
The Magna Carta laid the foundation for a government that promotes a trial by jury.

5. 2. Representative Government

6. Parliament
Representative government started before the Magna Carta when a group of noble and religious officials assembled to advise the King.
Over time, the advisory council became known as Parliament.

7. Parliament Parliament was a bicameral or 2 house law-making body.
The 2 houses of Parliament were:
House of Commons and House of Lords
Commons – made up of local towns people
Lords – made up of nobles & church officials
Parliament worked to limit the King’s power by passing 2 documents.

8. Petition of Rights
In 1628, King Charles I was forced to sign the Petition of Rights.
The Petition of Rights
Gave citizens rights
Forced the King to get Parliament’s approval before taxing.
This gave the people a voice through their representatives.

9. English Bill of Rights
After a civil war, the beheading of King Charles I (1649), 2 Kings, and a “Glorious Revolution”. Parliament was able to pass the English Bill of Rights.
The English Bill of Rights
Gave citizens the right to petition the King.
Created free Parliamentary elections
Helped protect citizen’s rights from government