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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Because of foreign policies and heavy taxation demands, the people of England had King John sign the Magna Carta- a document that would place the King within rule of law.
Just as the Magna Carta lists the rights of the English apart from the government. In this way, the Magna Carta limits the power of the government, which is also what the constitution does by a separation of the powers in articles 1 and 2. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. Plymouth colony was the first significant document that instituted a democracy (government ruled by the people). This is obviously a major influence on the constitution. An example of a democratic idea in the constitution is seen in Article 1, section 2 of the constitution, when it states that representatives shall be chosen "by the people". -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut provided the framework of government for the Connecticut colony. An example of similarity between the Orders and the Constitution is when both of them mention the restriction of two years in a political office. Mentioned in Law 4 in the Orders of Connecticut and in Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights (like the Magna Carta) limits the power of the king and queen and separates the powers, which boosts the sense of democracy. This inspired the separation of powers (like the Magna Carta) in articles 1 and 2 of the Constitution. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was met in response and revolt against the Coercive Acts, which were set in place by the British government on the colonies. This same sense of wanting to be independent is found in the Constitution's preamble. (to form a more perfect union. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was held in continuation of the First Continental Congress, with the acceptance of a few new members. This time around, there was more of a consensus that there needed to be separation from England. This Congress eventually made way for the Declaration of Independence, of which the next step was to create the Constitution. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is the document of which we claimed our liberty from Great Britain. Our want for liberty is found in the preamble of the Constitution. (To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity). -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were essentially America's first constitution. Similarities in the articles and the constitution includes the power to the states, found in article 4 of the constitution. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan proposed a legislative branch of 2 chambers. This same idea can be found in section 1 of the Constitution, of which it states that the legislative branch shall consist of the House of Representatives and the Senate. -
New Jersey Plan
While the Virginia Plan favored larger states, the New Jersey Plan favored the smaller states, and wanted equal representation. This can be seen in the Constitution in Article 1, section 3, stating that in the senate, each state shall have 2 senators, no matter the size. -
Three-Fifths Compromise
The three-fifths compromise stated that every slave was counted as 3/5 of a free person. compromises like this can be found all over in the constitution, such as representation of the states. (house of representatives based on population, while senate is equal representation, found in Article 1 of the Constitution).
