Influences on the Constitution Table

Influences on the Constitution
Athena Falconer
HIS/301- United States Constitution
April 4, 2015
University of Phoenix, James Newman, BSDH1GHGY4
Influences on the Constitution
Documents
Summary
What was its influence on the Constitution?
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a document Issued and signed by Kind John of England in 1215. It was recognized particular natural rights. “The Magna Carta did not declare rights for all Englishmen” (Hall & Feldmeier, 2013).
The Magna Carta was originally crafted to prevent tyrannical kings from being too greedy. The founding fathers took the ideology from the Magna Carta to make sure no one person in the group would do the same and start demanding outrageous rule laws and/or taxes be place on the people; to protect individuals from governmental abuse.
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was a document issued and signed by 41 English colonists on November 11, 1620 aboard the Mayflower. “The Mayflower Compact was an attempt to establish a temporary, legally-binding form of self-government” (The Mayflower Compact, 2013). It was the first written framework of government to prevent differences between Purtians and non-seperatis pilgrims.
The Constitution was created on the same bases as the Mayflower Compact, presenting that all men are created equal.
Articles of Confederation
It was in 1781 the 13 colonies adopted the Articles of Confederation. It was the first written constitution of the United States and 13 colonies.
“It was proclaimed in the Articles that each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right” (Hall & Feldmeier, 2013).
The Article of Confederation was replaced by the Constitution; it was the frame work for the Constitution, for a better Constitution.
Declaration of Independence
Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence because “Americans were fighting for their rights from the British Crown; fighting for Independence” (Decclaration of Independence, 2015). Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and few others, the Declaration of Independence adopted the declaration July 4th; which we still today celebrate.
The Declaration of Independence was the framework and groundwork for the Bill of Rights, which is the first ten Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
Philosophers
Who was this?
How did his writings influence the Constitution?
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was an English Philosopher in the 17th century. He has had a continuing influence on Western political thought. Hobbes “was known for his views on how humans could thrive in harmony while avoiding the perils and fear of societal conflict” (Thomas Hobbes, 2015).
Thomas Hobbes strongly influenced the founding fathers when constructing the Constitution. Hobbes believed in equality, limited government, and life and liberty.
John Locke
Like Thomas Hobbes, “John Locke was an English Philosopher and political theorist” (John Locke, 2015). His influential expressed the radical view that the government is morally obliged to serve the people, protect life, liberty, ad property. He expresses how the government violets individual rights and the tyranny of society.
When drafting the Constitution, Thomas Jefferson took into consideration John Locke’s idea of the four basic rights; life, liberty, equality, and pursuit of happiness. That all men are fee and equal by nature.
Selected patriots
Who was this?
What were his views on governmental structure?
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was an inventor. He was one of the founding fathers who drafted the not only he Constitution, but the Declaration if Independence. Not only did he help in drafting our rights, but Benjamin Franklin played a major role in society. “His contributions to America were not just political but cultural and scientific as well” (Benton, 2014).
Benjamin Franklin was one of many men who had influence toward the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin favored a strong central government.
“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence—it is a force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action” (About The Founding Fathers, 2013).
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was one of the founding fathers. Besides from being a founding father, Alex was a delegate and major author of Federalist papers and United States first secretary f treasury.
“Hamilton was the one who most advocated an elitist political vision. He believed that the intellectual aristocracy should rule the nation” (About The Founding Fathers, 2013).
Patrick Henry
A major figure of the American Revolution, Patrick Henry is best known for his words, “Give me liberty or give me death!”
“Henry had a remarkable ability to translate his political ideology into the language of the common man” (Patrick Henry, 2015).
“Henry held strong anti-Federalist views, believing that a powerful federal government would lead to a similar type of tyranny the colonists had experienced under Britain” (Patrick Henry, 2015).
Thomas Jefferson
Another founding father, Thomas Jefferson was a spokesman of democracy. He was the third President of the United States who reduced national debt and helped reduced warfare with the Europeans.
Jefferson was a Republican. Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was influenced greatly by George Mason’s work on the Virginia bill of rights, and Mason’s ideas also had an impact on the development of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution. “He eventually opposed the Constitution because of the compromise concerning slavery and the failure of the delegates to include a Bill of Rights” (About The Founding Fathers, 2013).
James Madison
The 4th President of the United States, James Madison was another founding father. “He made a major contribution to the ratification if the constitution by writing federalist papers” (History & Grounds, 2015).
Madison argued strongly for a strong central government that would unify the country.
John Adams
John Adams was the first vice president, and another who helped draft the declaration of Independence. He was remarkable political philosopher, served as the second President of the United States.
“Adams was a Federalist, and, as such, he held a more elitist view of government than his Republican rivals” (About The Founding Fathers, 2013).

References

About The Founding Fathers. (2013). Retrieved from Oak Hill Publishing Company: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-founding-fathers/about-the-founding-fathers/

Benton, M. (2014). Benjamin Franklin. Retrieved from Venturio Media, LLP: http://benjaminfranklinbio.com/benjamin-franklin-president/148/

Decclaration of Independence. (2015). Retrieved from A&E Television Networks, LLC. : http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/declaration-of-independence

Hall, D. E., & Feldmeier, J. P. (2013). Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers and Individual Freedoms Ch. 1. Retrieved from Univeristy of Phoenix Ebook Collection: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/TOC.aspx?assetdataid=6eb1af19-d370-46b4-bb30-73c1afca8268&assetmetaid=abb3f882-67fd-4cf1-b117-b93788a0c6c5

History & Grounds. (2015). Retrieved from USA.gov: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/jamesmadison

John Locke. (2015). Retrieved from A&E Television Networks, LLC: http://www.history.com/topics/john-locke

Patrick Henry. (2015). Retrieved from A&E Television Networks, LLC.: http://www.biography.com/people/patrick-henry-9335512#american-revolutionary

The Mayflowet Compact. (2013). Retrieved from Mayflower History: http://mayflowerhistory.com/mayflower-compact/

Thomas Hobbes. (2015). Retrieved from A&E Television Networks, LLC: http://www.biography.com/people/thomas-hobbes-9340461#synopsis