Forming the American Government

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered on the Magna Carta and its influence on the formation of the American government. It directs students to identify four specific clauses from the Magna Carta that were of particular relevance to the Founding Fathers and the establishment of the new American governmental system. Additionally, the worksheet requires students to recognize four seminal American documents that bear the imprint of the Magna Carta’s principles, reflecting the document’s enduring legacy on American democratic foundations.

The educational objective of this worksheet is to help students discern the direct connections between ancient legal documents, like the Magna Carta, and the principles that underpin the American governmental system. By asking students to pinpoint specific clauses and relate them to American documents, the worksheet encourages a deeper understanding of the roots of American democratic ideals. It underscores the idea that contemporary political systems often draw from historical precedents. Through this activity, students are led to appreciate the continuity of democratic thought and its evolution over time.