Final answer:
The Magna Carta is fundamental to the United States government as it introduced due process, a principle that became part of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.S Constitution. It also laid the foundation for a representative government and inspired the protection of individual liberties, aspects central to American democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of the Magna Carta to the United States Government
The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is widely regarded as a seminal document in the formation of modern democracies, including the United States government. It established the concept of due process, which stipulates that a free man cannot be punished without a lawful judgment by his peers. This very principle found its way into the U.S Constitution as part of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, ensuring the right to a fair trial and the protection against arbitrary imprisonment.
The underlying philosophy of the Magna Carta also influenced the development of a representative government, as seen in the English Parliament's evolution over time. Similarly, the conception of limiting the power of the government and safeguarding individual rights directly inspired the genesis of the U.S representative democracy. The echo of the Magna Carta's principles is evident in the very fabric of American law and governance, reflecting a legacy that shapes legal norms and justice systems to this day.
Moreover, the Magna Carta's legacy contributed to social order and economic stability, as evidenced by England's GDP per capita in 1348. Its influence in establishing legal systems that protect property and liberty cannot be underestimated, as these are cornerstones of a functional and prosperous society.