Summary: The 1215 Magna Carta is one of the most important early human rights documents. It both limited the power of a tyrannical king and created a right to certain protections for citizens including, protection against unlawful imprisonment and the right to justice. In this lesson, students collaboratively research three key human rights documents: The Magna Carta, the Lawes of Virginia and The Peoples Ancient and Just Liberties asserted in the trial of William Penn and William Mead. Students then apply the document analysis template offered by the National Archives. Finally students share their findings with the remainder of the class in a jigsaw activity.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.1.a: Explain how British North American colonies adapted the British governance structure to fit their ideas of individual rights, economic growth, and participatory government.
- 6.1.12.CivicsPD.1.a: Use multiple sources to analyze the factors that led to an increase in the political rights and participation in government.
Link to Lesson: The Evolution of Human Rights: From Magna Carta, to William Penn