The Magna Carta was written in 1215 AD. It established the idea of limited government, in
which a monarch's power was not absolute. The Magna Carta protected nobles' privileges and power. It also gave certain rights
to landholders.
The English Bill of Rights was drawn up in 1689. It said that the ruler
could not suspend Parliament's laws, create special courts, impose taxes, or create an army without the Parliament's consent.
This document also stated that members of Parliament would be freely elected and promised free speech during gatherings.
The English Bill of Rights proclaimed that every citizen had the right to a fair trial by a jury, and cruel and unusual punishments
would be prohibited.
The Mayflower Compact was established in 1620.It said that government would make "just and
equal laws... for the general good of the colony." The Mayflower Compact created a direct democracy where all men
would vote, and majority would rule.
