Foundational Documents of American History

Mr. Block's lesson covers historical documents that influenced the American Constitution. Key documents include the Magna Carta, House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation. Each document's significance and impact on American governance are discussed, with a focus on concepts like habeas corpus, republicanism, democracy, and civil rights. The lesson concludes with a summary question about the documents' impact on the Constitution.

What was the purpose of creating a tree map in the lesson?

• To list the names of American presidents

• To organize important historical dates

• To draw a map of the United States

• To write a summary of the lesson

What key principle did the Magna Carta establish?

• The king can arrest anyone without reason

• No one is above the law

• The king is above the law

• The king has absolute power

What was the significance of the House of Burgesses?

• It was the first legislative assembly in the American colonies

• It was the first constitution in America

• It was the first democratic government in the colonies

• It was the first royal decree in the colonies

Which document is known for being the first democratic government established in the colonies?

• The Magna Carta

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Articles of Confederation

• The English Bill of Rights

What did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut contribute to?

• The abolition of taxes

• The idea of a monarchy

• The concept of a representative government

• The establishment of a national army

What was the Glorious Revolution known for?

• The end of the English Parliament

• A peaceful transfer of power

• The establishment of a new monarchy

• A violent overthrow of the monarchy

What did the English Bill of Rights achieve?

• It established a new monarchy

• It abolished the Parliament

• It gave absolute power to the king

• It outlined constitutional and civil rights

Who is known as the father of the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed for a national army

• It had no executive branch

• It enforced heavy taxation

• It had a strong central government

What was the Declaration of Independence primarily about?

• A list of grievances against King George III

• A new trade agreement with Britain

• A peace treaty with France

• A declaration of war against Spain