unit 2: the road to the u.s. constitution the rights of british citizens

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Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

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Page 1: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution

The Rights of British Citizens

Page 2: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Overview

• British citizens, including the American colonists, had many political rights.

• These rights developed gradually over a very long period of time.

• Problems in the American colonies will begin when these rights are violated and/or ignored.

Page 3: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

The Development of Rights

•Three documents were very important in the development of rights.

These documents include:

Page 4: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Magna Carta 1215

• King John signing the Magna Carta

Page 5: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Petition of Right 1628

Execution of Charles I (1649) – his rule caused the Petition of Right

Page 6: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

English Bill of Rights 1689

Page 7: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

•Each of these documents is important because they grant specific rights and place limitations on the power of the monarch.

Page 8: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Rights of British Citizens

Some of the rights gained from these documents include:

• The idea that no one, including the monarch, is above the law

• Trial by a jury of peers• No taxes without the consent of

Parliament• No imprisonment without trial• No “quartering of soldiers”

Page 9: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Rights Continued

• No martial law in time of peace• Free elections for Parliament• Right to a fair trial (due process)• No cruel and unusual punishment• Freedom to petition the government• Freedom of speech and the right to debate• Habeas Corpus• The right to private property

Page 10: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Other Developments

• Two other important traditions developed gradually in England.

• These included:• Parliament and Common Law

Page 11: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Parliament

• Kings that followed John (Magna Carta) met regularly with a group of nobles and church officials.

• This group of advisors grew into a representative lawmaking body by the late 1300’s.

• Eventually divided into two groups or houses (House of Lords and House of Commons)

Page 12: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Common Law

• Under this system, the law is based upon court precedents and/or rulings.

• Over time, this led to a consistency in the interpretation of laws.

• English citizens, including American colonists, became accustomed to a court system and the stability of the laws.

Page 13: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Video Links

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/5377-the-american-revolution-the-magna-carta-video.htm

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/23562-the-american-constitution-the-petition-of-right-video.htm

Page 14: Unit 2: The Road to the U.S. Constitution The Rights of British Citizens

Links Continued

• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/23565-the-american-constitution-the-glorious-revolution-video.htm