English Philosophers and Documents

When was the Magna Carta written and who was involved?

Originally written in 1215 and revised in 1216, 1217, and 1225; written agreement between King John and his noblemen.

Why was the Magna Carta written?

English barons were tired of excessive taxation and foreign wars; it outlined restrictions on the king’s power and granted rights to the barons.

What were the main points of the Magna Carta?

Ensured the king could not jail or execute people without due process; ensured the king could not seize money or property without reason.

What steps did the Magna Carta make toward democracy?

Challenged absolute monarchy; gave rights to the people

When was the Petition of Right written and who was involved?

Written in 1628; agreement between members of Parliament and King Charles I.

Why was the Petition of Right written?

King Charles I was abusing his power; Parliament rejected his request to raise taxes without consent until he agreed to terms;

What were the main points of the Petition of Right?

King could not arrest or punish people without cause; king could not force people to house soldiers;

What steps did the Petition of Right make toward democracy?

People began to believe a king’s rights could be reduced and their own expanded; asserted that kings were not above the law.

When was the English Bill of Rights written and who was involved?

Written in 1689; agreement between William and Mary of Orange and Parliament;

Why was the English Bill of Rights written?

Parliament wanted to end monarch abuses; William and Mary had to sign it before taking power.

What were the main points of the English Bill of Rights?

Monarchs could not keep a standing army in peacetime; could not change or abolish laws; people had the right to challenge the king without fear; people had the right to a fair trial.

What steps did the English Bill of Rights make toward democracy?

Further guaranteed the rights of the people and limited the power of monarchs.

Why was Thomas Hobbes significant?

Most known for Leviathan; argued for the social contract; believed people needed government for peace and security, trading some natural rights.

Who was John Locke?

1632-1704; member of the Royal Society; lived in England, France, and Holland; published An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Two Treatise of Government, The Reasonableness of Christianity, Some Thoughts on Education.

Why was John Locke significant?

Best known for Two Treatise of Government; rejected divine right of monarchs; promoted social contract; believed in life, liberty, and property; proposed separation of powers.

Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

1712-1778; influential in music and theater; published Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, and The Social Contract.

Why was Jean-Jacques Rousseau significant?

Best known for The Social Contract; believed government should work for the good of people; people need government but must participate in it; promoted religious freedom and separation of church and state.

Who was Thomas Hobbes?

1588-1679; 17th-century English philosopher; published Elements of Law, Leviathan, and Behemoth.