The Colonial Roots Of America's Founding Ideals

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Mayflower Compact

Back 1

The first written framework for self-government in what is now the U.S., made by the Mayflower passengers in 1620.

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Importance of Mayflower Compact?

Back 2

Since the seperatist leader feared that a revolt would destroy the colony before it began, him & the other passengers/separatists agreed to this framework of self-government. (Which is now the U.S.)

Front 3

Magna Carta

Back 3

The agreement made in 1215 between king John and his barons listing rights granted by the monarch to all free men of the kingdom.

Front 4

Importance of Magna Carta

Back 4

Colonies based off their belief of rights and freedom from this, which was originally for England's people. Colonists brought these ideas to America.

Front 5

English Bill of rights

Back 5

An act passed by Parliament in 1689 further limiting the monarchs power by giving Parliament the sole power to tax and specifying citizens rights, such as trial by jury and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.

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Importance of Bill of rights

Back 6

After King James 2nd tried fighting for power with parliament, this was created by Parliament to ensure it would protect the English people.

Front 7

House of Burgesses

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The first legislature in the English colonies in America, formed in 1619.

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Importance of House of Burgesses

Back 8

These were not models of democracy, but it did reflect a belief in self government.

Front 9

Albany plan of union

Back 9

A proposal drafted in 1754 by Benjamin Franklin calling for an alliance of the English colonies for their own defense.

Front 10

Importance of Albany plan of union

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This plan was Benjamin's idea of being able to tax and raise an army failed due to the fact that Parliament saw this as a threat and the colonies were unwilling to pursue the matter.

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Toleration Act

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A law enacted in Maryland in 1649 declaring that all Christian denominators have a right to practice their faith.

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Importance of Toleration Act

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This was done in hope to stop the quarreling between Protestants and Christians (This does not apply to non Christians)

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Zenger trial

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A trial that helped promote the idea that the freedom of the press is a right that should be protected.

Front 14

Importance of Zenger Trial

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This trial defended Zengers belief that there is no public liberty without freedom of speech. This is something the U.S. promotes today.

Front 15

Great Awakening

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A period of religious revival during the early 1700's that encouraged people to question authority and to think freely about religious matters.

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Importance of Great Awakening

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This gave the colonists what they needed to be able to think freely. This is something the U.S. also promotes.

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What effect did the Magna Carta have on American rights and government?

Back 17

It began to create the right to due process of law. It supported the principal of no taxation without representation, said the kingdom was not above the law.

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How did the House of Burgesses effect American rights and government?

Back 18

Even though it was hardly a democracy, it still reflected a belief in self government. These assemblies also affirmed that colonists could not be taxed except by their elected representatives in legislatures.