Social Studies: Significant Documents and Ideas

The first document to limit a monarch’s power

Magna Carta (“Great Charter”)

Who wrote the Magna Carta, why did they write it, and when did they write it?

To prevent King John from taking all of the power, in 1215, English nobles made the Magna Carta and forced the King to sign it.

How did the Magna Carta help the people who wrote it? Which later document did it influence, and how?

The Magna Carta limited the monarch’s right to levy taxes without consulting the nobles, protected the right to own private property, and guaranteed the right to trial by jury. This later influenced the Declaration of Independence, as the problems were similar: King George III taxed the colonists without representation, their right of property was violated, and their right to trial by jury was curtailed, so they addressed their grievances to the King.

Who signed the English Bill of Rights in what year?

Mary and William in the year 1689.

What later document did the English Bill of Rights influence and how?

The Declaration of Independence; the colonists felt that the Rights they gained through the English Bill of Rights were being violated.

What principles did the English Bill of Rights uphold?

Right to trial by jury/habeas corpus (no jail without trial by jury), Parliament had to meet regularly, freedom of speech within Parliament, and no monarch could levy taxes or raise an army without Parliament’s approval.

After publishing articles that criticized the English government, who was put on trial and found not guilty?

John Peter Zenger

What did the John Peter Zenger Trial help establish?

The John Peter Zenger Trial helped establish the freedom of the press, which ensures that journalists are able to publish the truth without restriction or penalty.

What happened as a result of the less strict rules of religion, and when did it happen?

The Great Awakening in the 1700s.

What did the Great Awakening call people to do?

The Great Awakening called people to examine their lives and commit themselves to God.

As a result of the Great Awakening, new churches rose. What did this lead to?

More tolerance for religious differences

Who was the philosopher that believed that the natural laws of life, liberty, and property came from God, and not monarchs?

John Locke

What document did John Locke’s beliefs influence and how?

The Declaration of Independence; very big influence! “Life, liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Who believed in the separation of government powers? What were these branches of government called?

Montesquieu; lesgislative, judicial, executive (checks & balances!)