Colonial Influences

Magna Carta

1215

This is a government document created in 1215 by the English nobility. Its purpose is to limit the power of government. BIG IDEAS:
Limited Government
Rights
Rule of Law
Due Process

Mayflower Compact

1676

Created in 1620, this was an agreement between individuals which we call pilgrims. The agreement was made because the problem was to find who was in charge. When the pilgrims landed in the Americas. BIG IDEAS:
Create own government
Laws to be followed by everybody (Rule of Law)
The government will serve the common good

English Bill of RIghts

1689

This government document was written by parliament in 1689. This document expanded the rights of the parliament and the people while limiting the powers of the king even more. BIG IDEAS:
Free elections to parliament
The rights to bear arms
No excessive fines or cruel or unusual punishment

Cato's Letters

1720

This is a collection of newspaper articles written in the 1720s by Cato and Cato. These articles debated about the king's heavy-handed rule. BIG IDEAS:
Freedom of Expression

Common Sense

1776

A pamphlet created by Thomas Paine in 1776. It explained the argument for independence to the common people. BIG IDEAS:
Encouraged people to support independence.