Foundations of United States Government

1. Foundations of United States Government The English Influence

2. 2 British Ideas that Influenced Our Government • Limited Government – establishes boundaries respected by everyone. • Representative Government – when officials are elected to represent the citizens of a country • The idea of a constitution did not come from the British • Constitution – a plan of government

3. 1. Limited Government

4. Magna Carta • Before the 1200’s, there were few limits on the King’s power. • Take their land and give it to people who were loyal to him • Tax people without approval • In 1215, the English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta or Great Charter. For the first time in English history the King’s power was limited. • The Magna Carta laid the foundation for a government that promotes a trial by jury.

5. 2. Representative Government

6. Parliament • Representative government started before the Magna Carta when a group of noble and religious officials assembled to advise the King. • Over time, the advisory council became known as Parliament.

7. Parliament • Parliament was a bicameral or 2 house law-making body. • The 2 houses of Parliament were: • House of Commons and House of Lords • Commons – made up of local towns people • Lords – made up of nobles & church officials • Parliament worked to limit the King’s power by passing 2 documents.

8. Petition of Rights • In 1628, King Charles I was forced to sign the Petition of Rights. • The Petition of Rights • Gave citizens rights • Forced the King to get Parliament’s approval before taxing. • This gave the people a voice through their representatives.

9. English Bill of Rights • After a civil war, the beheading of King Charles I (1649), 2 Kings, and a “Glorious Revolution”. Parliament was able to pass the English Bill of Rights. • The English Bill of Rights • Gave citizens the right to petition the King. • Created free Parliamentary elections • Helped protect citizen’s rights from government