English Influences on Government

Question 1

What are the rights of Englishmen?

Answer 1

Trial by jury. No taxation without representation. Safe from unlawful entry in homes. Colonists were subjects of the king. All subjects got these rights.

Question 2

What was the federal system around 1000 A.D?

Answer 2

Monarchs ruled all lands. Nobility ruled an area of land for the monarch. The common people worked the land for the nobles.

Question 3

Magna Carta

Answer 3

Governments are an agreement between a ruler and the people. (This limits the Kings power). Barons force the king to sign this. Two important things: 1. Nobles obey the king if he protects their rights. 2. Rule of Law/Limited Power - The King had to follow rules and stay within limits.

Question 4

Parliament

Answer 4

Advisory council to the king. Legislative branch - lawmaking. Bicameral (made of two houses). House of Lords (Nobles) and House of Commons (Land Owners). This was the beginnings of a representative government.

Question 5

English Bill of Rights

Answer 5

King must get taxes approved. King cannot stop free speech in Parliament. King can’t maintain an army in times of peace. King couldn’t require excessive bail or cruel punishment. King had to support and obey laws.

Question 6

Mayflower Compact

Answer 6

Pilgrims. 1620. Direct Democracy. Two important things: 1. Self-government. 2. Majority Rule