University of Phoenix Material

Influences on the Constitution Table

Complete each section below. Include citations for your sources.

Documents
Summary
What was its influence on the Constitution?
Magna Carta Magna Carta (Great Charter of Freedom) is an English legal charter. Magna Carter was written so that King John of England could not impose his own will and have it be legally enforced upon commoners. It was later adapted into the US Constitution.
Magna Carta declares liberties to protect citizens against undue legal process, detention and protect human rights.
Mayflower Compact
Mayflower Compact of 1620 was drawn up as settlers sailed from Plymouth England to North America. These settlers knew that earlier settlers demised because of lack of government. They then agreed on a set of laws ( the first documented ) that were equal and fair.
The Mayflower Compact set precedent and influenced the US Constitution as it expressed equal and just laws to form a democratic form of government.
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were actually the “first” constitution and was in effect for seven years.
The Articles of Confederation gave more power to states than to the federal government. This affected many factors, especially commerce.The flawed document led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, thereby the Constitution was written.

Philosophers
Who was this?
How did his writings influence the Constitution?
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was an English born writer, scientist and philosopher.
Thomas Hobbes believed that every human should be treated equally and share the same rights. Mr. Hobbes believed in citizens of the community having more a say as to which laws governed their lives, as well as a single soverign power. Mr. Hobbes writings’ had a great influence on the US Constitution as made apparent in the opening,