Englishmen Influence

The influences of the traditional rights of Englishmen are visible in the United States Constitution. Under the United States Constitution, lie the rights of the legislative bodies and the rights of individual. By comparing the United States Constitution, to the traditional rights of Englishmen, evidence emerges supporting the influence of English laws in development of the United States Constitution. For example, the United States Constitution establishes the legislative powers of the federal government. The United States Constitution relegates Congress the power of taxation, whereas, the English Bill of Rights grants Parliament the power of taxation. The English Bill of Rights states, “That levying money for or to the use of the crown, by the pretence of prerogative, without grant of parliament, for longer time or in other manner than the same is or shall be granted, is illegal.” (EBR) Additionally, the Magna Carta touches upon taxation, in terms of scutage, or taxes paid in lieu of military
“No scutage nor aid shall be imposed on our kingdom, unless by common counsel of our kingdom…” (MC) Furthermore, the United States Constitution requires at least once in every year, Congressional assemblage. The English Bill of Rights contains a similar premise, which reads, “And that for redress of all grievances, and for the amending, strengthening, and preserving of the laws, parliament ought to be held frequently.” (EBR) Moreover, the United States Constitution provides for the election of Congressional members, and the English Bill of Rights grants the election of Parliamentary members. Finally, the United States Constitution requires the president to faithfully execute the laws. However, without the consent of Parliament, the English Bill of Rights “prohibits the suspending or dispensing of laws, by regal