Colonial Influences

Magna Carta

1215

This was a government document with the purpose of having limited government, rights, rule of law and due process. It limited the power of the king and protected the rights of the nobility. It was written by English nobility.

Mayflower Compact

1620

This was an agreement between individuals written in 1620 by the pilgrims. The purpose of it was to answer the question: Who is in charge? They created their own government and agreed that all laws would be followed by everyone. This would serve common good.

English Bill of Rights

1689

This was a government document written by English men with the purpose of having a limited government in this case the king, rights, due process of law and rule of law.

Cato's Letter

1720

This was a collection of newspaper articles that promoted the different ideas of freedom and expression which became very influential during this time written by anonymous English men/journalists. Big Ideas: rights and rule of law. "Without free speech and expression we would have no liberty"

Common Sense

1776

This was a pamphlet written by colonial journalists in 1776 with the purpose of gaining the support of American colonists from becoming independent from England. They wanted to self-govern and have rights.