2. Foundations of Representative Democracy

3. The Magna Carta 1215 Magna Carta 1215
First document that limited the power of the king.
It was an agreement between the king and the nobles.
Also said that the king was not above the law
King John signing the Magna Carta

4. The Virginia House of Burgesses 1619
The first representative assembly in the New World.
This assembly, based on the British Parliament, consisted of elected representatives of the colonists and the governor who was appointed by the Virginia Company.
An early meeting of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Note the 17th century style of dress.

5. The signing of the Mayflower Compact
Document signed by the Pilgrims on board the Mayflower that said they would obey laws, “established for the common good.” It helped establish the idea of self-government.
The signing of the Mayflower Compact

6. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut 1639
This was the first written constitution in America. It set up a detailed plan of government where the sovereign power belonged to the freemen. (By the way, no mention was made of the King!)

7. English Bill of Rights 1689 English Bill of Rights 1689
This important law gave rights to all Englishmen and further limited the power of the monarch.
This law gave much more power to England’s Parliament.
Coronation of William & Mary after the English Bill of Rights was passed

8. The Declaration of Independence 1776
Written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress, this document declared that the 13 British colonies were now free and independent states.
In it, Jefferson cites that all men have certain “unalienable rights.”
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson working on the Declaration of Independence

9. The United States Constitution 1787
This has been the framework for the government for 225 years. It details how the government of this republic is elected democratically.
Its amendments detail the individual rights enjoyed by Americans.