Influences on the U.S. Government

Magna Carta

A charter signed by King John that limited the powers of the king and queen, giving rights to Englishmen and introducing concepts like limited government and due process.

Petition of Rights

A document signed by King Charles that extended rights to Englishmen in exchange for funding a war, including no cruel punishment and the right to petition the government.

English Bill of Rights

A document signed by William and Mary that prohibited taxes without Parliament's permission and established rights like free speech and the right to bear arms.

Mayflower Compact

The first example of self-government in the American colonies.

Fundamental Order of Connecticut

The first written laws of the American colonies, providing a framework for government.

House of Burgesses

The first legislative assembly in the Virginia colony.

Act of Toleration

Legislation ensuring religious freedom within the colonies.

Hobbes

An Enlightenment thinker who wrote Leviathan and believed in a social contract where citizens give up rights for government protection.

John Locke

An Enlightenment philosopher who published Two Treatises of Government and argued for natural rights that cannot be revoked.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

An Enlightenment thinker who wrote The Social Contract and supported direct democracy over representative government.

Charles Montesquieu

An Enlightenment philosopher who wrote The Spirit of the Laws and advocated for separation of powers and checks and balances in government.