Major Documents and Thinkers

The first form of self-government in America..

First set of laws that believed people were innocent until proven guilty

Document that officially announced the independence of the United States

Believed in separate parts of government so no one part can become too powerful

Believed that people agreed to be ruled because their ruler pledges to protect their rights.

First document to have due process, no cruel punishment, right to bear arms, freedom of speech and petition, and taxes

Argued that British government did not look after the interests of the colonist...

The first form of government in the United States...

The first document to protect nobles' privileges and grant certain rights to land owners in England...

British policy of non-enforcement of trade regulations on their American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries

Established a tradition of direct democracy that is seen in New England today....

Believed that the legislative branch power belongs to the people

Was a large contributing factor that led to the American Revolutionary War

Lacked the power to collect taxes and to enforce its laws

First document to mention jury trial by peers

Believed people have the right to life, liberty, and property that the government must protect for the common good.

Written by Thomas Jefferson, influenced by John Locke

A government that could not tax

Believed people have the right to speak freely, and this right should be defended by everyone.

Stated that there were rights English Citizens had that no king could violate