University:
Bradley University
Course:
HIS 345 | The History of England I
Academic year:

2024
Views:

277

Pages:

3
Author:

Gudrunecg9m

Civics Chapter 2 Section 1 Notes (Our English Heritage) Influences from England’s Early Government -Many rights citizens enjoy today can be traced back to the political and legal traditions of England. -England was ruled by a monarch before the first English people arrived in America. Noble families also had power in England. The Magna Carta -King John treated the nobles harshly. They rebelled and forced to sign an agreement called the Magna Carta. -Latin for “Great Charter” - protected nobles’ privileges and granted certain rights to all landowners. - no one would be above the law! Parliament -Started out as a group of nobles who advised the king. -Grew and by the late 1300’s became a law making body. -In 1600s Parliament removed King James II from the throne because of a power struggle and invited his daughter and her husband to rule instead. -After this no ruler would have more power then Parliament. Brought about English Bill of Rights -Monarch could not suspend Parliament’s laws, create special taxes, or raise an army without the consent of Parliament. Also said that members of Parliament would be elected freely, every citizen would have the right to a fair trial by jury, and cruel and unusual punishment would be banned. Common Law -In early days Britain had no written law. -People developed rules to live by and court systems began to develop. -When asked to decide a case the judges would look for precedent that was similar. The judge would then make a consistent ruling. -Still exists today and many of our own laws about property, contracts and personal injury are based on this. Bringing the English Heritage to America -In 1600’s-1700’s England established many colonies in America. Virginia House of Burgesses -1st permanent English settlement in North America was at Jamestown in 1607(located in present day Virginia) -Founded by the Virginia Company with a charter from king James. -In 1619 colonists chose two men from each county to meet with the governor and his council. -These 22 men formed the Virginia House of Burgesses. -First representative assembly in colonies. Didn’t have much power but marked beginning of self government in America. The Mayflower Compact -In 1620 a new group of colonist arrived known as the Pilgrims. Built a settlement called Plymouth in present day Massachusetts. -Even while still aboard Mayflower the pilgrims knew that they would need rules so they drew up the Mayflower Compact. -“Would make just and equal laws for the general good of the colony.” -Set up a direct democracy in which all men would vote. Early Colonial Governments -By 1773 13 English colonies stretched from Massachusetts to Georgia. -Each set up its own government following the examples of the House of Burgesses and the Mayflower Compact. -Each colony had a governor and a legislature with representatives elected by free adult males. -As time passed colonial governments became more powerful while Britain was busy with matters at home. -Colonists grew accustomed to making own decisions and built a thriving economy and felt comfortable solving problems without the help of Britain.

Civics Chapter 2 Section 1 Notes (Our English Heritage)

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