King John abused his power over England through unfair taxes and limiting individual rights, leading to the Magna Carta in 1215 which limited the king's power and protected rights. The English Bill of Rights of 1689 further protected rights and served as an example for both colonial bills of rights and the US Bill of Rights. The distance from England and Protestant beliefs led colonies like Virginia and Plymouth to establish representative governments through documents like the Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut to guarantee colonists' rights and self-government.

2. An Abuse of Power At the beginning of the 13th Century, King John ruled over England, after the death of his brother King Richard the Lionheart. King John used unfair practices to control the people: Unfair taxes Rules that limited individual rights Dictator style of leadership

4. Magna Carta “The Great Charter” Signed in 1215, the Magna Carta limited the king’s power and protected individual rights: Due process of law Property protection Proper taxation

5. The Importance of the Magna Carta First written Western document acknowledging the protection of individual rights. English tradition and structures served as an example for future English and colonial documents.

6. English Bill of Rights 1689 : England’s Parliament furthered the protection of individual rights by forcing the King and Queen of England to sign into effect the English Bill of Rights . The English Bill of Rights served as an example for: The colonial bills of rights The 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution, ( The Bill of Rights ).

8. Reasons for Representative Government Protestant religion called for self-government & independent churches Long distance from the English parliament English tradition and structures Isolated communities

9. House of Burgesses Established in 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses was the first representative government in the New World. They met to determine laws for the people of their colony.

10. Mayflower Compact Because the Pilgrims landed off course in 1620 they were outside of the laws of the Virginia Company. The settlers had to create a compact that guaranteed their individual rights. This compact became known as the Mayflower Compact . The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document created in the American colonies.

11. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut served as the first written colonial constitution. The Orders protected the individual rights of the Connecticut colonists. The constitution also established a religious tolerant government and helped to serve as an example for future colonial constitutions. “ The foundation of authority is laid in the free consent of the people." – Thomas Hooker

12. The Results of Colonial Self-Government Colonists believed their rights as British citizens were secured by both the British and colonial governments. The long distance from Britain caused the colonists to become self-governing and self-sufficient. It would not be until the British government threatened the status of the colonists’ self-government that the colonists decided to rebel.

13. Colonial Government