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Magna Carta (1215)

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The first document that established that the king and his government were not above the law & limited royal authority.

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Rule of Law

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The idea that everyone is accountable to the law, laws are created for the public.

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English Petition of Right (1628)

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Limited the powers of the monarchy, focusing on the rights of subjects by prohibiting random imprisonment, taxation without Parliament’s consent, and the quartering of soldiers in private homes.

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Limited Government

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Political system where the powers of the government are restricted by laws or a constitution.

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English Bill of Rights (1689)

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Limited the powers of the monarchy and established certain rights for Parliament and English citizens, such as free speech in Parliament and protection from cruel punishment.

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Individual Rights (Natural or Human Rights)

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Basic freedoms and protections that every person is born with because they are a human.

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Separation of Powers

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The idea that the government should split between two or more independent branches to prevent any one person or group from having too much power.

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Popular Sovereignty

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The idea that the people are the ultimate source of authority and legitimacy of a government.

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Majority Rule

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The idea that decisions approved by more than half of the people will be accepted.

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Federalists

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Supporters of a strong central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.