The first written constitution in European history was the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta represents freedom from oppression and was an influence on our Founders of America showing liberty as they separated from the England. It protects the freedoms from unlawful searches and seizures, a right to a speedy trial, a right to a jury trial in both a criminal and a civil case, and protection from loss of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
b. Mayflower Compact.
The Mayflower Compact was the first outline used against Puritans and non-separatist Pilgrims to prevent rebellion. The signers believed that the agreements made must be honest and honored between God and man, and each other. This also applied with the Compact. …show more content…
Provide a brief description of the following English philosophers and discuss how their writings influenced the Constitution:
a. Thomas Hobbes.
Thomas Hobbes was an Englishman and philosopher. He was famous for his book, Leviathan that described how people are unable to govern themselves. He believed people were selfish and difficult that will need a strong leader. He came up with the theory social contract, this is a society where government serve and protect the people that would later influence the constitution.
b. John Locke.
John Locke is known as an English philosopher that had ideologies based on the individual rights and limited government. He believed that the state should be responsible for the protection and security of natural rights. This included life and property, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. His impact on the government to be divided into three branches known as the legislative, judicial, and executive would be his greatest contribution on the …show more content…
He was not in favor for the Constitution because it allowed the federal government too much power and it did not have a bill of rights. His opposition helped the bill of rights become drafted and the first 10 amendments to be added
d. Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was a politician, statesman, diplomat, intellectual, writer, scientist, and philosopher and is best known in writing the Declaration of Independence. He had an impact to improve the protection of civil liberties and minority rights of the common people. He believed people could be motivated through elections to provide direction in the republic 's development. He also felt that the central government should be careful in spending and needs to be simple.
e. James Madison.
James Madison is the father of the United States Constitution. He believed freedom, responsibility, and the practice of self-government needs to be a commitment upheld. He was an active participant and supported the separation of church and the system of checks and balances. Madison helped with the national bill of rights, a free press circulating throughout the land, educational establishments to encourage learning and improve public manners, and representatives to expand the public