RULE OF LAW

WHAT IS THE RULE OF LAW?

• English political tradition
• Belief that all Englishmen must follow the law
• No man is above the law despite place in society

MAGNA CARTA

• Recognized the rights of Englishmen to be consulted on levying of taxes
• Rights are protected by a jury of peers
• Parliament created to take power from king
• Parliament meant to represent the English people

ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS

• Followed the Magna Carta
• States again that people have the right to be consulted
• Representatives levy taxes
• Limited power of king by Parliament
• Established religious freedom

IMPACT ON THE COLONISTS

• Since they believed to be Englishmen they followed all three
• Caused them to implement many parts of each in personal governments
• Lead the way to creation of House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact and the Townhall

ENGLISH POLITICAL TRADITIONS & COLONIAL GOV

• House of Burgesses: Representative gov
• Mayflower Compact: Rep gov, religious freedom
• Townhall Meetings: Rep government
• All colonial gov had an assembly with the right to levy taxes