Origins of the U.S.

Government

The majority who came the colonies in the mid-sixteenth century were English.◦ Also there were: French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedes

and many other European◦ This cause them the British to be in charge of the

13 colonies

Why it was controlled by England

Since Brits were in power there government was what was instituted here◦ Brits emulated Africa and Asia (read your footnote

on page 28)◦ Also, follows Roman rules of the republic

Three main ideas:◦ Ordered Government◦ Limited Government◦ Representative Government

British Gov.

Organized government Offices they created still exist:

◦ Sheriff◦ Coroner◦ Assessor◦ Justices of the Peace◦ Grand Jury◦ Counties◦ Townships◦ And more

Ordered Government

Government is not all powerful

Limited Government

Representative Government

• Government should serve the will of the people• “government of, by, and for the people.”

Magna Carta◦ A group of barons (aristocracy) forced King John to

sign in 1215◦ They were tired of John’s over taxing and military

campaigns Wanted protected from arbitrary acts by the king

◦ Included: Trial by jury Due process of law Protection against the arbitrary taking of life, liberty,

or property◦ The Magna Carta was originally intended to help the

privileged class (no-serfs)◦ Over time it became the rights for all English people

Important English Documents

The Magna Carta was originally intended to help the privileged class (no-serfs)

Over time it became the rights for all English people

Established that the power of the monarchy was not absolute First passed into law in 1225

In 1297 (originally titled “The Great Charter of the Liberties of England and the Liberties of the Forest) is still in the books of England and Wales

Magna Carta

The first document forced on an English King by a group of his subjects

Was influence by the 1100 Charter of Liberties where King Henry I regulated his powers

By the 19th century most of its clauses had been repealed, but three clauses still remain as part of England and Wales law

Part of political history: lead to constitutional law

Was at times respected and ignored by monarchs for 400 years

Was reinforced under the Petition of Right

Magna Carta continued

Page 33 Answer the questions (3 total)

Home Work

Petition of Right limited the king’s power In 1628 when Charles I asked Parliament for

more money from taxes they refused until he signed the Petition of Right

Stated that he could no longer: imprison people without just cause, enforce martial law in a time of peace, or require homeowners to shelter the kings troops without their consent. Nor could people be forced to be taxed without the consent of parliament

Petition of Right

Sets out the rules for sovereigns, and the rights of Parliament◦ Also rules for freedom of speech in Parliament

Was created after years of revolt; Parliament offered the crown to William and Mary of Orange◦ Known as the Glorious Revolution (1688)

In 1689 the Bill of Rights was created◦ Also had no standing army in peacetime, except with

the consent of Parliament, parliamentary elections were free, changing laws without the consent of Parliament was illegal, taxing without permission = illegal, guarantees a free trial, and freedom from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment

English Bill of Rights