10 Facts You Should Know About the Magna Carta
2. It inspired the US Declaration of Independence of 1776
When Englishmen came to the “New World” to establish colonies they brought with them charters guaranteeing that they and their heirs would “have and enjoy all liberties and immunities of free and natural subjects.” The impact of the Charter on the founding documents is quickly evident. The violations of English Common Law in the American Colonies by King George provided Thomas Jefferson with ample argument in writing his declaration of independence from the monarchy.
Such Revolutionary War era principles as habeas corpus and the wrongness of taxation without representation drew their roots from English Law of the 17th century that was based upon the Magna Carta. King George had violated these laws, in effect placing his decisions above the law of the land, and this gave the Colonists not only the right to seek freedom, but a responsibility to do so.
