What were some influences on self-government? Select all that apply.
• Commentaries on the Laws of England
• The Columbian Exchange
• English Bill of Rights
• Poor Richard’s Almanac
To determine the influences on self-government, let's analyze each option:
1. Commentaries on the Laws of England: This refers to a legal treatise written by Sir William Blackstone in the 18th century. While it provided a comprehensive explanation of English law, it specifically focused on the rights and liberties of the individual. These commentaries influenced the idea of limited government and the protection of individual rights, which greatly impacted self-government.
2. The Columbian Exchange: This term refers to the exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, and people between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas) following Christopher Columbus' voyages. While the Columbian Exchange had various effects on societies, it isn't directly related to the concept of self-government.
3. English Bill of Rights: The English Bill of Rights was enacted in 1689 and outlined the rights and liberties of English citizens. It established principles such as the right to fair and speedy trials, freedom of speech in Parliament, and protection from excessive bail and cruel punishment. These ideas of individual liberties and limited government heavily influenced the development of self-government.
4. Poor Richard's Almanac: Poor Richard's Almanac was a publication written by Benjamin Franklin, which contained various sayings, advice, and witticisms. While it provided useful information and moral lessons, it did not directly impact the development of self-government.
Based on the explanations above, the influences on self-government are:
- Commentaries on the Laws of England
- English Bill of Rights