INFLUENCES ON and IMPACT OF the U.S. CONSTITUTION
8.15A Identify the influence of ideas from historic documents, including the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, the
Mayflower Compact, the Federalist Papers, and selected Anti-Federalist writings, on the U.S. system of government.
Historic Documents =>
Influence on U.S. System of Government
MAGNA CARTA – limited the power of the King
Constitution limits the power of the central government
ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS – listed individual rights
Model for the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to Constitution)
MAYFLOWER COMPACT – agreement written by Pilgrims in
established the idea of self-government and majority rule
1620
FEDERALIST PAPERS – supported ratification of the
Constitution provides for a strong central gov’t with separated
Constitution with a focus on the need for a strong central gov’t
with restricted powers
powers and a system of checks and balances.
ANTI-FEDERALIST WRITINGS – opposed the Constitution
When the Constitution was ratified, the first ten amendments (the
Bill of Rights) were immediately added to protect those rights.
because it lacked protection of individual rights.
8.15C Identify colonial grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence and explain how those grievances were addressed
in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Grievance in Declaration of Independence
Addressed in Constitution
Taxation without representation
All states have representation in Congress, which sets taxes
King has absolute power
Congress has the power to override Presidential veto
Colonists not allowed to speak out against the King
1st Amendment – freedom of Speech
Quartering Act forced colonists to house troops
3rd Amendment – no quartering of Troops
Allowed homes to be searched without warrants
4th Amendment – no unwarranted search and seizure
No trial by jury of peers
6th amendment –right to speedy public trial
7th Amendment – trial by jury
8.25A Trace the development of religious freedom in the United States.
DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE UNITED STATES
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1620-1691 – Plymouth Colony – self-governing church with each congregation independent and electing its own pastor and
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officers
17th century – Massachusetts Bay Colony – churches also fairly democratic in that they elected ministers and other officials,
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but church closely tied with state government
1631– Roger Williams founded Rhode Island. In 1636 separated church and state
1632 – Maryland founded as haven for Catholics
1681-1776 – Penn’s Frames of Government guaranteed religious freedom to all settlers in Pennsylvania
1689 – Toleration Acts (Great Britain)
1791 – U.S. Bill of Rights guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom from government interference
8.25C Analyze the impact of the First Amendment guarantees of religious freedom on the American way of life.
IMPACT OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT GUARANTEES OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ON THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
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Americans have the right to worship however they choose.
The government does not have the right to interfere with religious beliefs.
Sets up for official separation of church and state
8.21B Describe the importance of free speech and press in a constitutional republic.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE SPEECH AND PRESS IN A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC
Freedom of speech and press allow for the protection of individual rights. Freedom to express information, ideas, and opinions that are
free of government restrictions based on content.
8.26B Identify examples of American art, music, and literature that reflect society in different eras.
EXAMPLES OF AMERICAN ART, MUSIC, AND LITERATURE THAT REFLECT SOCIETY IN DIFFERENT ERAS
Writing the Constitution
 Art – "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", by artist Howard Chandler Christy
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Literature-- U.S. Constitution, Washington's papers, pamphlets