Magna Carta “Great Charter” 1215 1st document to limit the King’s powers King must respect individual (nobles) rights & liberties Provided for due process of the law and right to a jury trial

English Bill of Rights William & Mary signed it making England a Constitutional Monarchy in 1689 Formal summary of the rights & liberties believed to be essential to the people Forbid excessive bail & cruel & unusual punishment Served as an example for America

The English Bill of Rights (1689) The Declaration had three main parts: First, an indictment of James II and his transgressions, and secondly a declaration of rights of citizens. Finally, William and Mary were declared King and Queen Regnant of England, with William to exercise power during his lifetime.

American Declaration of Independence Written by Jefferson in 1776 Based on Locke & the Enlightenment Natural Rights-life, liberty & pursuit of happiness Ended by declaring independence from England Influenced the French Revolution Protect the rights of the people

U.S. Constitution Supremacy of the law – no one is above the law Universal suffrage – all can participate and vote Lasting document Representative government with 3 branches

U.S. Bill of Rights In order to get the US constitution passed, federalists included a Bill of Rights (1787) First 10 amendments to the constitution Protect basic rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly & religion Influenced by Voltaire, Rousseau & Locke Put Enlightenment ideas into action

French Declaration of Rights of Man & Citizen 1789 – Reflected ideals of American Dec of Independence Protects the rights of the people – free & equal, life, liberty, property, security & resistance to oppression Guaranteed equal justice freedom of speech and religion “Life, Equality, Fraternity”