This document describes how the British government served as a model for representative government in the American colonies. It discusses key documents like the Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and events like the Glorious Revolution that established principles of limited government, representation, and separation of powers in Britain. These ideas then influenced the 13 original American colonies to develop representative governments with elected assemblies to help govern.

1. OBJECTIVE- Describe the history of British
gov’t and explain how it served as a model
for representative gov’t in the American
colonies.

2. Content Vocabulary
 Limited Government- the power of the monarch or
government is limited by the people.
 Representative Government- a gov’t in which the
people elect delegates to make laws and policies.
 Separation of Powers- the power to make, execute, and
interpret laws is divided b/w the legislature, king, and
courts.

3. Jamestown
1st successful British colony in
America- 1607

4. The Original 13 Colonies
The 13 colonies borrowed
ideas of limited and
representative gov’t from
Britain to help govern their
colonies

5. Magna Carta- Great Charter
- Signed in 1215
- By King John of England
The Magna Carta helped to limit
the power of the monarch. It gave
nobles protections such as:
- No taxation without
representation
- Trial by Jury

6. The Petition of Right - 1628
1. Monarch needs consent from
Parliament to collect taxes
2. Need just cause to imprison
people
3. No Quarter (cannot house troops
in private homes)

7. 1. Monarchs do not have divine right
2. Monarch cannot interfere w/ Parliament
elections
3. Petition the gov’t
4. No cruel or unusual punishment

8. English Parliament
Merchants and land owners Members of the Aristocracy
House of Commons House of Lords
Bicameral- Two chamber or house

9. All men are created equal, and are born with
3 natural rights:
1. Life
2. Liberty
3. Property
It is the government’s duty to protect these rights
JOHN LOCKE
Natural Rights

10. The Glorious Revolution
William and Mary Replace King James II
Agree to reign with the
consent of Parliament