Origins of the Constitution

Question 1

Magna Carta

Answer 1

-the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law
-guaranteed trial by jury

Question 2

Mayflower Compact

Answer 2

-a document written by the Pilgrims establishing themselves as a political society and setting guidelines for self-government
-the first document to establish self-government

Question 3

British Parliament

Answer 3

-made of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarchy
-controls the executive by passing or rejecting its Bills and by forcing Ministers of the Crown to answer for their actions

Question 4

English Bill of Rights

Answer 4

-an original Act of the English Parliament passed on December 16, 1689
-limits the power of the monarchy
-creates separation of powers
-enhances the democratic election
-bolsters freedom of speech

Question 5

Enlightenment

Answer 5

-an era in which Americans discussed the use and celebration of reason, the power by which humans understand the universe and improve their own condition

Question 6

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Answer 6

-written in 1786 by Thomas Jefferson
-guaranteed freedom of religion to people of all faiths and argued that the government had no right to interfere with religious practice

Question 7

Four rights that the Magna Carta gave are…

Answer 7

-guaranteed the rights of women and children who inherited property
-due process of law
-freedom from arbitrary imprisonment
-trial by a jury of peers

Question 8

An Enlightenment idea that is reflected in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution is…

Answer 8

“The government’s power comes from the people.”

Question 9

Origins of the Constitution

Answer 9

*Magna Carta
*Mayflower Compact
*British Parliament
*English Law
*English Bill of Rights
*Enlightenment
*Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom