English Political Heritage: Limited Government

Questions and Answers

What major principle did the Magna Carta establish?

Government should operate without any legal constraints.

Limited government is necessary to protect individual rights. (correct)

Absolute monarchy is essential for stability.

The monarch must have total control over legislative processes.

Which of the following was a key limitation imposed by the English Bill of Rights?

The ability to levy taxes without a parliamentary vote.

The monarch's authority to suspend laws at will. (correct)

The monarch's right to interfere with parliamentary proceedings. (correct)

The right of the monarch to maintain a standing army in peacetime. (correct)

What philosophical ideas did John Locke promote regarding government?

People have natural rights that must be protected by government. (correct)

The government should avoid any contracts with the citizens.

People must adhere to an unlimited authoritative government.

Government is a tool for enforcing divine rights.

What role did the Petition of Right play in shaping limited government?

It established conditions under which the king could impose taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event is referred to as the Glorious Revolution?

The nonviolent overthrow of James II in favor of William III and Mary II. Signup and view all the answers

Which trait was common among the English colonies in America?

They had constitutions that clearly defined government powers. Signup and view all the answers

The Mayflower Compact is significant because it was the first:

Document to establish self-government in the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of representative government as practiced in the English colonies?

Delegates are elected to create laws and govern on behalf of the people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Great Fundamentals enacted in 1636?

It established the first basic system of laws in the English colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlined a plan for the election of governors and judges in the Connecticut colony?

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of colonial legislatures?

They regularly created new laws to address changing circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the separation of powers in colonial governance?

To ensure checks and balances among different government branches. Signup and view all the answers

How did colonial legislatures contribute to the future development of the Constitution?

They served as training grounds for future political leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Limited Government

Magna Carta (1215): Established principles of limited government, curbing monarch's absolute power; protected rights to life, liberty, and property.
Monarchs required consent from Parliament to:
- Levy taxes
- Imprison individuals (just cause only)
- Force housing of troops
- Impose martial law during peacetime
Petition of Right (1628): Further limited the power of the monarchy.

English Bill of Rights (1688)

Aimed to define limits of monarchical power after the Glorious Revolution.
Required monarchs to seek consent from Parliament to:
- Suspend laws
- Levy taxes
- Maintain an army
Provided rights for the populace such as:
- Right to a fair and speedy trial
- Protection against cruel and unusual punishment
Marked the end of the divine right of kings.

Representative Government

Concept that citizens elect delegates to create laws and govern the state.
American legislative practices evolved from English representation models.
John Locke (1632-1704): Influential philosopher who championed natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government accountability:
- Advocated for a social contract: if the government fails, citizens have the right to alter it.
- Stressed that government authority derives from the consent of the governed.

Government in the Colonies

Colonies exhibited common traits in self-governance:
- Each had elected legislatures.
- Limited powers for executives.
- Most adopted written constitutions.

Written Constitutions

Mayflower Compact (1620): The first self-governing document in the colonies, establishing leaders and laws chosen by the Pilgrims.
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639): Outline for electing officials and law-making representatives.

Colonial Legislatures

Virginia House of Burgesses (1619): First legislative assembly in America, showcasing early representation.
Colonial legislatures became pivotal to governance, creating laws to adapt to changing conditions.

Separation of Powers

Government powers divided among:
- Executive branch led by the king's agent
- Legislative branch held by colonial legislatures
- Judicial branch managed through colonial courts
Colonial legislatures served as training grounds for future leaders who would draft the U.S. Constitution.

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Description

Explore the foundations of limited government in English history, focusing on key documents such as the Magna Carta and the Petition of Right. This quiz delves into how these historical texts shaped the rights and liberties of individuals against the power of monarchs.