EARLY BRITIS

H

GOVERNMENT

U N I T 2

EARLY BRITISH GOVERNMENT

Why do we need to know about British government?

America was a British colony for 169 years. America took many ideas from European

countries.

Britain was a monarchy in the time of colonial settlement in America.

There was a king and Parliament during that time.

Colonists did not have much of a choice in laws.

IMPORTANT ENGLISH DOCUMENTS

Magna Carta: 1215 signed by King John

-Established limits on the king’s absolute authority (limited his power)

English Bill of Rights: 1688 - Limits the power of the crown- Sets out rights of Parliament

ENLIGHTENMENTWilliam Blackstone: English judgeBelieved strongly in religious

toleranceSupported the idea of self

defenseBelieved in natural rights: life

and liberty

ENLIGHTENMENTJohn Locke:English philosopherHe believed in certain natural rights

given to them by God: life, liberty and property

He also argued that the government is to protect those rights.

This is the foundation of the social contract – the agreement between people to form a government to rule over them and to abide by its rules.

Executive and Legislative Branches

ENLIGHTENMENTCharles de

MontesquieuFrench LawyerExpanded on John Locke’s

branches of government

Added judiciary branchWrote of separation of

powersBelieved that in a

republic, education is a necessity

COLONIAL DOCUMENTSMayflower Compact: Social Contract – settlers agree to

submit to the authority of government

Self-government/Majority ruleFundamental Orders of

Connecticut: First written constitution in the

coloniesVirginia House of Burgesses: First representative assembly in

the coloniesPenn’s Frames of Government: Protected rights and liberties-trial by jury-freedom of the press-religious tolerance

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENTDistance from EuropeColonists needed to make their own

laws to keep peace and orderColonists were used to English

system (Parliament)Most colonies were self-governingThese colonies elected members for

an assembly which made their laws.

Communities were isolated