British Constitutional Foundations: Petition of Right, John Locke, Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights

Flashcards covering the Petition of Right, John Locke, and the idea of limited government as reinforced by Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights.

What is the significance of the Petition of Right, particularly regarding the divine right theory of kings?

It challenged the divine right of kings, showing monarchs must obey the law.

Who was John Locke, and what natural rights did he believe all people were entitled to?

John Locke was an English philosopher who believed in natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

The Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights all reinforced what key political idea?

Limited government and the rule of law.

How do these documents reflect a shift from divine-right monarchy to constitutional limits?

They show a move toward constitutional limits on royal power and adherence to the law.