Our English Heritage An English Political Heritage Colonists

Our English Heritage

An English Political Heritage • Colonists came from everywhere, but most came from England. • English traditions of government – Limited government – Representative government

Magna Carta • • King John forced to sign in 1215 King’s powers were limited. No unjust punishment No loss of life, liberty or property without “due process of law” • Could not levy some taxes without consent of people (great nobles)

Petition of Right • • • Charles I became king in 1625. Dissolved Parliament Used private homes for troops Imposed martial law Ran out of money and had to recall Parliament • Parliament forced Charles I to sign Petition of Right in 1628.

Petition of Right King could no longer • Collect taxes without Parliament’s consent. • Imprison people without just cause. • House troops in private homes without permission. • Declare martial law unless the country was at war.

Petition of Right King had to get permission from an elected Parliament, not just from the great nobles.

Beheaded Charles I (future) Charles II exiled to France After Cromwell died, Charles II “restored” James II became king James II removed and exiled William III and Mary II invited to be rulers But they signed English Bill of Rights

English Bill of Rights • Monarchs do not have divine right to rule. • They rule with the consent of the people’s representatives in Parliament. • Parliament must agree to suspend laws, levy taxes or maintain an army. • King cannot interfere with elections and debates. • Right to fair and speedy trial by jury of peers. • No cruel or unusual punishments. • No excessive fines or bail.

English Bill of Rights applied to colonists also. One cause of the American Revolution was that the colonists felt that they were being deprived of their rights as promised in the English Bill of Rights.

The Colonial Period

Early Written Constitutions

Early Written Constitutions By 1629, colonists in Massachusetts Bay Colony needed a more complete constitution.

Early Written Constitutions In 1639, some colonists left Massachusetts Bay Colony to establish a new colony in Connecticut.

Early Written Constitutions Basic principles found in all colonial constitutions: – Representative government – Separation of powers