The Inside Guide: Documents of Democracy

The Founding Fathers drew inspiration heavily from other countries’ comparable documents, especially the Magna Carta, which limited the power of the English king. This prospect appealed to the American colonists, who worked key ideas from the Magna Carta into their new founding documents. Through detailed main text enhanced with informative graphic organizers and engaging fact boxes, readers learn how influential the Magna Carta was on the government of what is now the United States. In addition, sidebars and discussion questions challenge readers to think more deeply about this essential social studies topic.