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Roots of American Government. Big Idea #1. America got a lot of their ideas about government from the British. . The Magna Carta. A document written in 1215 in England The king needed money to finance a war, so he made a deal with the nobles (rich guys) Gave rights to the English people
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Big Idea #1 • America got a lot of their ideas about government from the British.
The Magna Carta • A document written in 1215 in England • The king needed money to finance a war, so he made a deal with the nobles (rich guys) • Gave rights to the English people • Took power away from the king
Rights guaranteed by the Magna Carta • Property could not be seized by the government. • Taxes had to be approved by a council of important men. • People could not be put on trial without witnesses against them. • The right to a trial by a jury.
Parliament • Parliament - elected representatives that make laws in England • Parliament was made up of two houses. (parts) – The House of Commons and the House of Lords.
English Bill of Rights • Laws written to protect the English people • King or queen could not cancel laws or impose taxes unless Parliament agreed • Excessive fines and cruel punishments were forbidden • People had the right to complain about the king or queen without being arrested.
John Peter Zenger and freedom of the press • John Peter Zenger was put on trial for criticizing the governor of New York in a an article in a newspaper. • Criticizing government officials in the press was illegal at the time. • Zenger was found not guilty. • Zenger’s trial was the first step in freedom of the press in America.