Greece and direct democracy

Greece created a kind of democracy that required all citizens to participate directly in the government, But only free men over the age eof 18 could be involved.

Rome and a rebublic

Rome wanted citizens to elect representatives to run the government for them because Rome had too many people to have everyone be involved.

The magna Carta

The most important example of a written statement of law limiting the power of a ruler.

Rule of law

The principle that the people who govern and are governed must obey the same laws.

English bill of rights

An act passed by the Parliament that limited the power of the monarchy

Petition of rights

It limited the English monarchs power to tax the people without consent and gave rights to English subjects

The Enlightenment

A period of time where philosophers and others developed new ideas about human existence and the government

State of Nature

A time where there are no rules or complete freedom, but no protection from the government.

Social Contract

Citizens must give up some freedom in exchange for the governments protection.

Consent of the governed

Governments have a responsibility to hold up their end of the contract, if they fail, the citizens have the right to revolt.

John Locke

A philosopher the created a number of writings that influenced future leaders.

Life

The fact that people want to live and will fight to survive

Liberty

People want to be as free as possible to make their own decisions

Property

Represents the fact that people want to own things that help them survive

Tabula Rosa

A blank stage or age