Saturday, February 23, 2013

Magna Carta Was Sealed by King John, on this day, in 1215

Magna Carta, is an English legal charter, originally issued in the year 1215 by King John of England. It was written in Latin and is known by its Latin name. The usual English translation of Magna Carta is Great Charter.

Magna Carta required King John of England to proclaim certain rights (pertaining to freemen), respect certain legal procedures, and accept that his will could be bound by the law. It explicitly protected certain rights of the King's subjects, whether free or fettered — and implicitly supported what became the writ of habeas corpus, allowing appeal against unlawful imprisonment.

Magna Carta was the first document forced onto an English King by a group of his subjects (the barons) in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges.

Magna Carta was arguably the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today in the English speaking world. Magna Carta influenced the development of the common law and many constitutional documents, including the United States Constitution.

- Wikipedia

Lesson Plan Information
Title: Magna Carta: Cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution
Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will understand:
- why the rule of law is necessary in a free and democratic society.
- the relationship between Magna Carta and the evolution of constitutional government.
- how the Magna Carta was used to justify independence from Great Britain.

  • Watch a concert performance and analyze song lyrics.

  • Draft a personal narrative that relates a childhood experience.

  • Finalize a personal narrative and share it with the class.
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Subject: U.S. History / Civics
    Handouts: Worksheets, activities and background information.
    Time Needed: Three class periods
    Provided by: EDSITEment (Author: Christine L. Compston, Bellingham, WA)
    Year: 2007
    Link: http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=737
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