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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Constitutional Influences
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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
They forced King Henry to sign an agreement.
Rights included equal treatment under the law and trial by one's peers.
Monarch limited power by guaranteeing that no one would become above the law. Not even King or Queen. -
Mayflower Compact
Colonists needed rules to govern themselves so they survive in the new land.
Forty-One men signed the Mayflower Compact.
They came up with written plans for the government. -
Fundamental Orders of Constitution
America's first written Constitution called Assembly elected Representatives and the popular election of Governor & Judges. -
Glorious Revolution
In 1688, Parliament removed King James 2 from the throne invited his daughter Mary to rule.
Parliament demonstrated it was stronger than the Monarch.
Changed government in England.
From that time, no ruler would have more power than Parliament.
Showed that Parliament was now stronger than the king. -
English Bill of Rights
Guaranteed free elections for Parliament, the right to a fair trial, and eliminated cruel and unusual punishments.
Further limited the Monarch's power. -
John Locke
He argued that people were born free, equal, and independent.
They possessed rights, called, "Naturall Rights." Rights included life, liberty, and property. -
Baron de Montesquieu
Developed the idea about dividing branches so that no one can be too strong or threaten individual rights. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Wrote the, "Social Contract."
He argued that people who were alone had the right to determine how they should be governed.
