1. Ch 2 Section 1 Our Political Beginnings
Earliest English settlers brought with them knowledge of a political system that had been developing for centuries. 3 ideas:
Ordered Government – need for orderly regulation of their relationships with one another.
Limited Government – restricted in what it may do and individual has certain rights that government can’t take away.
Representative Government – should serve the will of the people.

2. Landmark English Documents
The Magna Carta – barons forced King John in 1215 to to acknowledge power of monarchy not absolute. Included fundamental rights such as trial by jury and due process of law- protection against arbitrary taking of life, liberty, or property.
Some kings respected it and some ignored it

3. The Petition of Right – Parliament (representative body with the power to make laws) had slowly grown in influence in the 400 years since the Magna Carta. In 1628 Charles I asked for more tax money, Parliament refused until he signed Petition of Right.
It demanded the King no longer unlawfully imprison or punish without trial and no taxes without permission.

4. The English Bill of Rights – 1688 – Parliament drew up list that new kings would have to agree to. King not allowed to suspend laws, levy taxes, people could petition, guarantees to fair trial, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.