Foundational Documents of Governance

a document that established the rights of the people of England, limited the power of the monarchy, and established the principles of parliamentary government. Signed by William III and Mary II.

• Constitution

• English Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

• Petition of Rights

It was written in 1215 by barons to protect their rights and property from a tyrannical king. The Magna Carta is significant because it was the first document to clearly state that the law applied to everyone, including the king. 

• Constitution

• English Bill or Rights

• Magna Carta

• Petition of Rights

a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

• Constitution

• English Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

• Petition of Rights

A rule made by an authority and that must be obeyed.

• King

• Tax

• Law

• Monarchy

A mandatory payment or charge collected by local, state, and national governments from individuals or businesses to cover the costs of general government services, goods, and activities.

• Law

• Tax

• King

• Monarchy

The male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth.

• Tax

• Law

• King

• Monarchy

A system of governance where the government's power is restricted by law, and the rights of individuals are protected from government intrusion.

• Monarchy

• Tax

• Law

• Limited Government

An assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws.

• King

• Monarchy

• Parliament

• Limited Government

A form of government where a single person (king/queen) has the power.

• Parliment

• Limited Government

• Monarchy

• Petition of Rights

Passed on 7 June 1628, is an English constitutional document setting out specific individual protections against the state, reportedly of equal value to Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights 1689.

• Magna Carta

• Petition of Rights

• Limited Government

• English Bill of Rights