English Influence on American Government

Before the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and the Constitution, the United States consisted of thirteen British colonies. The structure of these colonies' government was directly influenced by the government of their parent nation, England. The laws of the land and the rights of the citizenry were both deeply rooted in English law and tradition.

Essential Questions

• How was American colonial government influenced by early government documents of Great Britain?
• How did the Virginia Company of London's charter protect the rights of colonists?