1. Important Documents in American History

2. Magna Carta  Created in 1215, after a rebellion broke out in England after the King became very unpopular.  “It promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons (land owners) from illegal imprisonment, access to swift justice, and limitations on feudal payments (taxes from land owners) to the Crown, to be implemented through a council of 25 barons.”  Why is this significant or important?

3. English Bill of Rights  The English Bill of Rights lays down limits on the powers of the monarch.  Created in 1689  It sets out the rights of Parliament, including the requirement for regular parliaments, free elections, and freedom of speech in Parliament.  It also created the human rights of individuals including the making cruel and unusual punishment illegal.  Why is this significant or important?

4. Mayflower Compact  The first government of the Americas  Created in 1620 A.D.  They were British settlers looking to gain religious freedom from England.  “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”  What enlightenment idea is this similar to?

5. Social Contract  Social Contract: an agreement for mutual benefit between individuals to form a government for the community as a whole.

6.  5. The feudal system was important to the development of constitutional government because it did which of the following? a. developed a strong social structure b. allowed the nobility more participation in government c. introduced the idea of government based on a contract d. diminished the power of the monarch 10. a. Magna Carta b. Mayflower Compact c. English Bill of Rights d. Common Sense 15. c. Establishing a new government seeds good habits. d. The continent has too many varied interests which will hamper the establishment of a strong government