DOCUMENTS THAT INFLUENCED AMERICA

HAMMURABI’S CODE Believed to date before 1750 B.C. Hammurabi = ruler of the ancient city of Babylon One of the earliest codifed codes of behavior –Uniform rules for society –280 sections/separate laws –Many of the laws that were written were only one or two sentences “If a man practice (robbery) and be captured, that man shall be put to death…”“If a man practice (robbery) and be captured, that man shall be put to death…” “If a son has struck his father, they shall cut off his hand.”“If a son has struck his father, they shall cut off his hand.”

TEN COMMANDMENTS According to Judeo-Christian values, laws were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai directly from God. Religious and moral guideline for living Many countries disregard the religious foundations, yet use the morality and common sense applications –“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.” John Quincy Adams

MAGNA CARTA (1215) Signed by King John at Runnymede First real restriction on the power of the government “Forced” signature by the citizens Included guaranteed Trial by Jury and Due Process Established the power of the monarchy is not absolute

THE PETITION OF RIGHT 1628 – Signed by Charles I when he asked Parliament for more money through taxes –Parliament refused to grant the request until he made concessions Largest limits on the power of the King… –King can no longer imprison or punish any person but by the lawful judgment of his peers or the law of the land. –King cannot force quartering of troops in peace or impose martial law –No person shall be forced to pay a tax without Parliament consent –Challenged Divine Right and forced the monarch to follow the law.

ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS (1688) Signed by William and Mary of Orange after they assumed the throne (Glorious Revolution) Prohibited standing army in peace Required free elections for Parliament, right to fair trial and protection from cruel and unusual punishment

VIRGINIA BILL OF RIGHTS (1776) Main purpose was to proclaim the “natural, inherent rights” of the people Initially drafted by George Mason (Rep. from Virginia) Describes the… –Inherent right to life, liberty, and property –Need for government to be the servant of the people –Various restrictions on government power.

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION (1777) Served as the first government for the United States Worked as a “firm league of friendship” Each state worked as a separate entity, except in defense and general welfare Unfortunately, many weaknesses…

Weaknesses of the AOC One vote for each state regardless of size No power to tax for Congress No power to regulate trade for Congress No executive to enforce acts of Congress No national court system Amendment only on consent of all states 9/13 majority to pass laws

FEDERALIST PAPERS (1787) Drafted by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay Designed to assist in the ratification of the Constitution in New York Collection of 85 essays Excellent commentary on earliest political conflicts