Topic 1.6 Historical Influences on US Government

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Mayflower Compact: Self Governance in the Plymouth Colony

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The Mayflower Compact was an agreement signed by 41 male passengers of the Mayflower to form a "civil body politic" to govern themselves in the new colony. It was one of the first attempts at self-government in the New World, setting a precedent for future colonies.

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Mayflower Compact: Early Example of Direct Democracy

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The Mayflower Compact outlined that decisions in the colony would be made by majority rule, allowing all male members of the colony to have a say in governance. This practice influenced town meetings and local governance in New England.

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Mayflower Compact: Emphasized Consent and Cooperation Among the Governed

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The Compact highlighted the importance of social cohesion and mutual consent in governance. Settlers agreed to abide by the laws and regulations created by their elected officials, establishing a form of social contract crucial for survival and community governance by consensus.

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Magna Carta: Limited the Power of the Monarchy

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The Magna Carta was a landmark document in English history, signed by King John under pressure from rebellious barons. It established that the king could not levy taxes or make significant decisions without the consent of his council, marking a significant step toward constitutional governance.

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Magna Carta: Established the Principle of Rule of Law

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Magna Carta declared that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment (habeas corpus), influencing legal systems worldwide, including the United States.

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Magna Carta: Introduced Constitutional Governance

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Magna Carta laid the foundation for the development of parliamentary democracy in England and influenced the U.S. Constitution, particularly the idea that government powers should be limited and subject to law.

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Magna Carta: Asserted that Everyone is subject to the law

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This concept of accountability is seen in the U.S. Constitution, where even the President can be impeached and removed from office for unlawful actions. The Magna Carta's legacy is evident in the U.S. legal system's emphasis on due process and equal protection under the law.

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Ideas from the American Revolution: Breaking Away from British Rule

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The Declaration of Independence (1776) formally announced the American colonies' separation from Britain, emphasizing the colonies' right to self-determination and grievances against King George III, establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.

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Ideas from the American Revolution: Creation of a Government by the People

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The Articles of Confederation (1777), the first constitution of the U.S., created a confederation of states with a weak central government, reflecting the desire for self-governance. Although replaced by the U.S. Constitution, they represented the initial step toward a government deriving power from the consent of the governed.

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Democratic Principles: Desire for self-governance and Representative Government

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The Declaration of Independence asserts that governments are instituted to secure the rights of the people, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. The Continental Congress was an early form of representative government formed to unite the colonies and lead the struggle for independence.