1. Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Common Sense
SS.7.C.1.2 Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonists’ views of government.
Essential Question:
What were some of the key influences on the colonists’ views of government?

2. Bell Ringer: 3 Minutes
1. Which documents influenced the colonists' views of government?
A. Common Sense, Articles of Confederation, Declaration of the Rights of Man
B. Virginia Declaration of Rights, Common Sense, Bill of Rights
C. Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Common Sense
D. Magna Carta, Iroquois Constitution, Common Sense
2. How did Magna Carta influence the colonists’ views of government?
It encouraged them to declare their independence from Great Britain.
It gave them the idea that everyone is entitled to certain natural rights.
It led to create a government based on a separation of powers among different branches.
It granted them rights as English subjects, including the right to a trial by jury and not to be taxed without consent.

3. Hook Click on picture for link to video. Question for video:
1. Why was the Mayflower Compact written?
Even though this is a short video, remember to pause it and point out the discussion of similarities with Constitution and Declaration.
Also the narrator, discusses social contract. Pause video and ask “Which Enlightenment thinker?”

4. “I Do” Mayflower Compact English Bill of Rights Magna Carta
Written aboard the Mayflower in 1620.
This document is an example of self government and consent of the governed.
Nobles forced King to sign to stop absolute rule.
First example of limited government.
Written in 1689 in England.
Establish a limited monarchy and gave more power to the Parliament.
Monarchy could not collect taxes, interfere with speech, and excessive bail.
Checking for understanding:
Why is the concept of “limited government” important?
Why would the colonists want to create a document establishing self government?
Why would the English Bill of Rights influence the colonist?

5. “I Do” Common Sense Written by Thomas Paine and published in 1776
Challenged the authority of the British government.
Discussed independence from Britain.

6. “We Do”
Directions: Using what you have learned about the big ideas from each document, determine how these influences appear in the U.S. Constitution. Read each passage below, mark text that helps you identify the main idea, and write the main idea in your own words. Then, determine which of the following concepts influenced the passage and the evidence from the text that supports your answer.
Passage
What does this mean in your own words
Big Idea
Evidence from text
“This Constitution and the laws of the United States ... shall be the supreme law of the land.” All government officials “shall be bound by an oath to support this constitution.” – Article VI
The U.S. Constitution created three branches of government. Each branch is given the power to check, or limit the power of the other two. The system of checks and balances keeps any one branch from getting too powerful.
“We the People of the United States...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

7. Bell Ringer Review
1. Which documents influenced the colonists' views of government?
 Common Sense, Articles of Confederation, Declaration of the Rights of Man
Virginia Declaration of Rights, Common Sense, Bill of Rights
Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Common Sense
Magna Carta, Iroquois Constitution, Common Sense
2. How did Magna Carta influence the colonists’ views of government?
It encouraged them to declare their independence from Great Britain.
It gave them the idea that everyone is entitled to certain natural rights.
It led to create a government based on a separation of powers among different branches.
It granted them rights as English subjects, including the right to a trial by jury.

8. “You Do” Which idea is from the Magna Carta?
The passage below was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense.
Based on this passage, how is the author’s view reflected in the U.S. political system?
The monarchy creates limited government.
The monarchy supports self-government.
Representatives are appointed.
Representatives are elected.
Which idea is from the Magna Carta?
The people should be completely free from the government.
The people should support a strong central government.
The government should give people a fair and speedy trial
The government should have unlimited power to tax. D C

9. What were some of the key influences on the colonists’ views of government?
Essential Question
Complete in your interactive journal.