The History of “We The People”

Lesson 1 The Magna Carta

It has occurred to me after extensive study (During my child’s homeschooling) that most Americans have no clue about the history of our founding documents, let alone the precise language it was written in. Our founders were meticulous on how they wrote the documents. Some parts were formed to allow for expounding upon whilst others were intended to be set in stone with no change in letter or word. The language of the time was not difficult to understand, actually the quite opposite was the case. The actual writers or fathers that framed the documents did so to ensure that a ruling class would not become oppressive.

How do we come to this conclusion? Well, why did any of our documents come about? It boils down to one oppressive ruler and the church that controlled him. It is no secret how King George III and the Roman Catholic church oppressed the people in the early years of our great nation. Kings of the time had the same powers we see in corrupt communist/ socialist countries today. They could lock people up, take their money and land, and even sentence them to death for simply speaking out against the state or church. Sound familiar, is history repeating itself? Those whom fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

In the 13th century, 500 yrs before the reign of King George III there was a tyrant king named King John. Many may have heard of the legend of Robin Hood, which many believe was actually formed to start a rebellion against the tyrant king John. History has actually found many that fit the description but none can be confirmed.(http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/robin_hood.html ..for more on the subject) . The rebellion would result in the capture of King John and the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. Which would pave the way for all free peoples in the world.

The Magna Carta did many things for Englishmen. This document guaranteed the right against illegal seizure of property and that no one could be jailed before a fair trial, judged by their peers. Written in Latin (a precise language) habeas corpus was born. Another right that was birthed was the right not to allow your words to be used against you. Our legal system would later write it’s way around that with the Miranda Rights being created allowing the “suspect” to now knowingly give up his rights under habeas corpus (est. June 13, 1966).

Out of habeas corpus our 5th Amendment was born. “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

To close this lesson. Our founding fathers (all but 4 signed the declaration prior to the drafting of the constitution) stated in the Declaration of Independence that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Unalienable Rights – Rights that can not be separated from it’s owner. Given by their Creator… Rights Given by your God – God given, no man can take away; you must physically agree to give it up. Hence, the Miranda Rights… You have the Right to remain silent… Used to let you know you are about to give up your 5th amendment Right. One of the oldest freedoms known to the free world thanks to the Magna Carta.