The American Journey © 2012

Chapter 4: Growth of the Thirteen Colonies

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"Magna Carta"

Introduction
In this chapter students learned the beginning of the quest for independence from Great Britain.

Lesson Description
Students will learn more about the Magna Carta and its influence on future governments.

Instructional Objectives

  1. The student will be able to identify important aspects of the Magna Carta.
  2. The student will understand the ramifications of the Magna Carta and its impact on future governments.

Student Web Activity Answers

  1. The term "any baron" was changed to "any freeman."
  2. It was an important change because the protections outlined in the Magna Carta would eventually be extended to a larger segment of the population instead of only applying to aristocracy.
  3. Coke's opinions as well as his four-volume book of English law were popular at the time the colonies were developing their own governments. The founding fathers of the United States would use Coke's ideas as justification for their independence from Great Britain.
  4. The colonists wanted a government that included the best features of the English system of government. They also wanted a government that allowed citizens a voice and the opportunity to participate in government affairs.
  5. He means that the government is constructed of definite laws. These laws cannot be changed on the whim of government officials. No person is above the law.
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