Historical Foundations - English Documents That Shape U.S. Constitution

Question 1

Magna Carta

Answer 1

• signed in 1215 by King John
• forced to sign because he was too abusive with his power
• King John ignored it after signing it

Question 2

Petition of Rights

Answer 2

• around 1618
• limited the power of King Charles I
• king agreed to stop imposing new taxes
• he promised to not imprison people without just cause
• stopped putting troops in people’s houses
• stop declaring marshal law
• King Charles ignored the document, he was beheaded

Question 3

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Answer 3

• means shown the body of evidence

- document forces body of evidence to be shown when imprisoned

Question 4

English Bill of Rights

Answer 4

• suppressed further the abusive power of the English government
• implemented trial by jury
• people had a right to bear arms
• no cruel and unusual punishment