1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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”