Influence of Historical Documents and Philosophers on American Politics and Government

Running head: HISTORY OF THE UNITE STATES
History of the United States
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HISTORY OF THE UNITE STATES 2
History of the United States
Summary of Documents and their Influence on American Politic/Government
The magna carta is a parchment that was developed by barons of the kingdom of
England. The main aim of the parchment was to minimise the power of the king of England
(Holt, Garnett and Hudson, 2015). The parchment was developed in 1215 and the king was
pressurized to sign it. The barons who reported to the king aimed at ensuring that justice
prevailed. The magna carta has influenced the American politics in a numerous way. Most of
the clauses that it contained have been integrated in to the constitution though in a modified
way. For instance, the right to be tried in a court of law before the making the decision of
whether to imprison a person or not. The Mayflower compact is a set of rules that were
established at Cape Cod in 1620 (Fraser, 2017). It was made when colonists from England
arrived at Cape Cod, a place where no rule of law applied. To maintain justice and order, the
colonists established the Mayflower compact. The rules were made by the people for the
people. It played a major role in shaping democracy in America. It is one of the earliest forms
of democratic rule.
The Declaration of Independence is a document that entails the terms of separation of
the United States from its British colonisers. The document was developed in July 1776 when
the then 13 states of the America became independent. Some of the reasons for independence
contained in the document are the various human rights such as the right to life and liberty to
pursue happiness (Hayek, 2014). The document was influential in shaping the United States
constitution and particularly the bill of rights. Today, the document is still reflected in the
American politics. For instance, the right to life is one of the provisions of American law.
The articles of confederation refer to the first constitution of the United States. It has played a

HISTORY OF THE UNITE STATES 3
role in shaping the current American politics as the current constitution has a basis on it only
that the current is greatly modified to cater for the changing needs (Van, 2017).
The Virginia plan was some 15 resolutions developed in 1787 aiming at making
changes to the articles of confederation. The proposed changes were more powers for the
central government and division of the legislature in to two. The Virginia plan has affected
the current American politics since it is still in effect. For instance, the legislature is divided
in to two and the central government is not weak. The New Jersey Plan was made soon after
the Virginia plan and proposed just simple changes to the articles of confederation. The main
effect felt today about the proposal is the law of the United Sates will be the supreme law of
the land and of the states. The Connecticut Plan was developed in 1787 and proposed
formation of a bicameral house. It has greatly influenced the structure of the United States’
government as it is composed of a bicameral house. The United States constitution contains
the rules and laws of the land. It is the supreme law of the land and guides almost all
operations of the government and its institutions. The bill of rights provides for the rights that
one is entitled to as a citizen of the United States (Rossum, 2018). It therefore influences the
operations of the government. For instance, any one who goes against the bill of rights could
be charged in a court of law.
Summary of Philosophers
Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher of the 17th century. He is greatly
remembered for his contribution to moral philosophy. The civil war that took place in
England in the 17th century played a role in shaping his views. He developed the social
contract theory. Through the theory, he argues that human beings are naturally selfish and if
left without any rule or control, the results would be catastrophic. He argues that the only way
to overcome this is to establish an absolute monarchy. Although he has become unpopular, he