Question

colonial self rule dbq
document 1
clause 14: “to obtain the general consent for a tax in great britain england we will cause the great council, made up of men who represent the people of england to be summoned individually by letter...they will come together on a fixed day and at a fixed place....the decision about creating or collecting taxes on that day will be made by a decision reached by vote of majority rule of the representatives of the people...the king shall follow the will of the great council, the king shall not raise or levy taxes on his own accord”
source: magna carta (1215)

1. what does the phrase “general consent” mean?
2. how will decisions about creating or collecting taxes be made?
3. do the people of england have a say in whether or not their taxes are changed? cite evidence to support your claim.
4. how does the magna carta limit or restrict the power of the king according to this excerpt?

Explanation:

1. "General consent" means the approval of the representatives in the great council, who stand for the people of England.
2. Decisions about taxes are made by a vote of the majority - rule of the representatives of the people in the great council.
3. The people of England have a say as their representatives in the great council vote on tax - related matters. Evidence: "the decision about creating or collecting taxes... will be made by a decision reached by vote of majority rule of the representatives of the people".
4. The Magna Carta limits the King's power by requiring him to follow the will of the great council and not to raise or levy taxes on his own accord.

Answer:

1. The approval of the representatives in the great council who represent the people of England.
2. By a vote of the majority - rule of the representatives of the people in the great council.
3. Yes. Evidence: "the decision about creating or collecting taxes... will be made by a decision reached by vote of majority rule of the representatives of the people".
4. The King must follow the will of the great council and cannot raise or levy taxes on his own.