This document provides an overview of several historical documents related to human rights: 1) The Magna Carta from 1215 established certain rights in England such as taxation only with representation and trial by jury. 2) The American Declaration of Independence and French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen both asserted fundamental human rights and freedoms. 3) The English Bill of Rights of 1689 outlined specific constitutional rights and gave power to Parliament over the monarchy, influencing both England and the United States Bill of Rights.

1. The Magna Carta, the American Declaration of
Independence, the English Bill of Rights, the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, and the
U.S. Bill of Rights.
Compare and Contrast Historical
Documents
Teacher Lesson Plan

2. The Magna Carta
On June 15, 1215 King John was forced by English nobles to agree to a Great
Charter, also known as the Magna Carta. The 63 clause document guaranteed
certain rights such as no taxation without representation and trial by jury.
The Magna Carta Primary Source
❏ How was this document created?
❏ Was this document translated, and if so, from what
language?
❏ What was the alternative to King John signing the
Magna Carta? How could this have changed history?

3. Popplet
Interactive Digital Tool
Categorize, organize and contextualize your
research. Popplet can help you compare and
contrast your data.

4. The United States Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence The Authors
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What similarities do you see between this document and the Magna
Carta?
Why was the Declaration of Independence important?

5. The English Bill of Rights 1689
The English Bill of Rights was an act signed into law in 1689 by William III and
Mary II, who became co-rulers in England after the overthrow of King James II.
The bill outlined specific constitutional and civil rights and ultimately gave
Parliament power over the monarchy. Many experts regard the English Bill of
Rights as the primary law that set the stage for a constitutional monarchy in
England. It’s also credited as being an inspiration for the U.S. Bill of Rights.

6. French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen 1776
What is the doctrine of natural right?
What was the inspiration for this document?
What rights are universal?

7. Checking for understanding
Primary Source Document Tools Flashcards from Quizlet
What are three similarities between the Magna Carta and the United States
Declaration of Independence?
What are two differences between the English Bill of Rights and the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen?

8. United States Bill of Rights 1791
The Declaration of Independence made certain promises about which
liberties were fundamental and inherent. However, those liberties didn’t
become legally enforcebale until they were enumerated in the Constitution
and the Bill of Rights.

9. Key points to remember
Magna Carta was created due to a rebellion against a King.
❏ Rebelling nobles.
The Declaration of Independence was created due to a rebellion against a King.
❏ Rebelling colonists.
Both Documents were written to assert individual human rights and freedom.
MAKE YOUR OWN CONNECTIONS

10. Save the Date
Take a little quiz to check your understanding.
Why does the Magna Carta matter today? Let me show you!