fCLE Important Documents

Magna Carta (1215)

Limited the power of the king and established the idea that everyone, including rulers, must follow the law.

Mayflower Compact (1620)

An agreement where settlers decided to govern themselves and follow rules they created together.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

Limited the power of the monarchy and protected certain individual rights and liberties.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Declared that the American colonies were independent from Britain and explained that people have natural rights.

Common Sense (1776)

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet that encouraged colonists to support independence and reject monarchy.

Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)

Declared that people have fundamental rights and that government should be limited and accountable to the people.

Massachusetts Constitution (1780)

Created a written state constitution based on limited government and separation of powers.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

Created a written state constitution based on limited government and separation of powers.

Northwest Ordinance (1784, 1785, 1787)

Created rules for governing territories and a process for territories to become states.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison — Explained how a large republic can control factions.

Federalist No. 14

James Madison — Explained why a large republic could successfully govern a large country.

Federalist No. 31

Alexander Hamilton — Argued that the national government needs enough power to do its job.

Federalist No. 39

James Madison — Explained how the Constitution creates a government that is republican and federal.

Federalist No. 51

James Madison — Explained checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent government abuse.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

Created the U.S. government and established separation of powers, federalism, and limited government.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first 10 amendments that protect individual rights and liberties.

Brutus 1

Argued that the national government could become too powerful and threaten people’s liberty.