The Molding of American Government

Importance of Early Theories

Divine Right Theory


The notion that a higher power has chosen certain individuals to rule absolutely over a group.

Magna Carta

Issues between King John of England and his barons over his absolute rule. King John is faced with an unbeatable foe.

Establishes in writing the principle of limited government. It provided against loss of life, liberty, and property. It initiated the creation of a parliamentary system.

English Civil War

Set the precedent that monarchs cannot govern without Parliament's consent.

Thomas Hobbes

His ideas supported government under a single sovereign authority.

Glorious Revolution

In 1689, the English Bill of Rights was passed by parliament. It represented the end of the concept of the divine right of kings.

John Locke

Said that government fails to preserve the rights of people, which breaks the "social contract".

American Colonies

Written constitutions guaranteed basic liberties and limited power of government were established.
Mayflower Compact established the first government.

Representative assemblies were firmly established in the colonies
Virginia House of Burgesses established the first legislatures.

Separation of powers in colonial charters divided the power of the colonies' governments.

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