An Agreement of the People facts for kids
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An Agreement of the People was a series of important documents. They were published between 1647 and 1649. These papers suggested big changes to how England was run. They were like a plan for a new constitution (the rules for how a country is governed).
Several versions of the Agreement came out. Each one was updated to deal with new problems. This was during a time of fast changes in England's government. The Agreements of the People are most linked to a group called the Levellers. But they were also published by the Agitators and the main leaders of the New Model Army.
Contents
What Was the Agreement of the People?
The Agreement of the People was a set of ideas for a fairer government. It came out during the English Civil War. People wanted to make sure everyone had more rights and freedoms.
Different Versions of the Agreement
There were a few main versions of the Agreement that were published:
- The first one was given to the Army Council in October 1647. It was called "An Agreement of the People for a firme and present Peace, upon grounds of common right and freedome..."
- Another version was given to the Rump Parliament in January 1649. This one was called "An Agreement of the People of England, and the places therewith incorporated, for a secure and present peace, upon grounds of common right, freedom and safety."
- A longer version came out in May 1649. It was written by important Leveller leaders. These included Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne, Master William Walwyn, Master Thomas Prince, and Master Richard Overton. They were prisoners in the Tower of London at the time. This version was called "AN AGREEMENT OF THE Free People of England. Tendered as a Peace-Offering to this distressed Nation."
How the Agreement Developed
Soon after the First English Civil War, the Agreement was a big topic of discussion.
The Putney Debates
In 1647, soldiers and leaders of the New Model Army held meetings. These were called the Putney Debates. They talked about the first version of the Agreement. The main ideas in this version were:
- Everyone should have freedom of religion.
- New parliaments should meet often.
- Everyone should be equal under the law.
These main ideas stayed in later versions. As people discussed these proposals, other rules were added. For example, Roman Catholics were not given the right to religious freedom. Also, not everyone could vote. Only men aged 21 or older could vote. But this excluded servants, people receiving charity, or those who had fought for the King.
Why It Wasn't Used
The Levellers hoped that England's new rules would be based on the Agreement of the People. But in the end, the New Model Army chose a different plan. This plan was called the Heads of Proposals. It was less revolutionary. The senior officers of the Army, known as Grandees, supported this other plan.
Its Lasting Impact
The Agreement is thought to have had a big impact. Many historians believe it "greatly influence[ed] the development of the U.S. Constitution." This means it helped shape the rules for how the United States is governed today.
David Boaz, an American writer, called the Agreement "the first well-developed statement of libertarianism." This means it was an early example of ideas about freedom and limited government. He noted its support for people owning themselves, private property, equal laws, religious freedom, and a government with limited power.
See Also
- English Commonwealth
- Instrument of Government
