1. History and Philosophy Foundations of English Colonial Government

2. Magna Carta Magna Carta - 1215 Latin for “Great Charter” English barons forced King John to sign in 1215 Guaranteed rights for nobles such as trial by jury and no excessive fines Established principles of limited monarchy and “law of the land” Rights later extended to all English citizens

3. House of Burgesses - 1619 Established by Virginia Company Made up of governor, governor’s council, and representatives elected by male landowners First representative government in colonies

4. Mayflower Compact - 1620

5. Signed by 41 white males on board the Mayflower Agreed to create a “civil body politick” to make laws Established idea of local citizens governing themselves in the colonies

6. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut - 1639 Thomas Hooker rejected joining of church and state in MA Connecticut established separation of church and state Non-church members allowed to vote First constitution in the colonies

7. English Bill of Rights - 1689 King James II forced out for promoting Catholic faith in England Signed by new king and queen William and Mary Gave more power to Parliament and the people and weakened monarchy American colonies claimed these rights for themselves as well!

8. Enlightenment Thinkers John Locke (1632-1704) Influential philosopher Believed in natural rights of life, liberty, and property (sound familiar?) Governments created by people to protect their rights People could revolt against unfair governments

9. Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755) French nobleman Supported dividing power into three branches Influenced framers of Constitution William Blackstone (1723-1780) British lawyer and legal scholar Classic Commentaries on English Law influenced Constitution and U.S. law