1. How did earlier documents influence the authors of the U.S. Constitution to divide political power and choose officers, in order to limit government power?
2. "In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland, King, Defendant of the Faith.
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
Looking at the text above, what are some concepts you can identify that were later used as the building blocks for the Constitution?
3. What's the purpose of a written Constitution?
Influences on the Constitution Table
Complete each section below. Include citations for your sources. Write at least 2 sentences (45 words) for each response. Please make sure to cite your sources.
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Documents
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Summary
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What was its influence on the Constitution?
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Magna Carta
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Mayflower Compact
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Articles of Confederation
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Declaration of Independence
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Philosophers
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Who was this?
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How did his writings influence the Constitution?
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Thomas Hobbes
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John Locke
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Selected patriots
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Who was this?
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What were his views on governmental structure?
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Benjamin Franklin
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Alexander Hamilton
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Patrick Henry
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Thomas Jefferson
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James Madison
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John Adams
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Discussion Question:
Write two paragraphs that address the following question. Be sure to write in complete sentences and use proper grammar and style. Each paragraph should be at least 100 words each.
Compare and contrast how the Federalists and anti-Federalists thought about the issue of federalism. Why did one group advocate for a strong federal government, and why did the other group insist on powerful state governments?