-
510 BCE
Ancient Greece
Parts of Ancient Greece became democratic.
This required direct participation and certain responsibilities of the citizens, such as voting and decision-making on issues affecting everyone. -
500 BCE
Ancient Roman Empire
The beginning of representative government. Citizens were allowed to vote for representatives in the government. -
1100
Iroquois
Iroquois, a group of Native American Tribes, formed an alliance working together for a common goal. These groups are confederations of 5 colonies with a democratic type of government. -
1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta, implies that no one is above the law, even government officials. It pushed the belief that monarch rule was not absolute, which led King John of England to consult nobles before making arbitrary decisions. This also provided later basis for the parliament's development. -
Petition of Right
A statement that extended the rights of commoners to be heard in the government. -
John Locke
John Locke wrote the Second Treatise of Government, which identified basis of legitimate government. -
English Bill of Rights
This document guaranteed free elections and rights for citizens accused for crime. -
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, which questioned the authority of British monarchy to govern. This also called for colonial independence from Great Britain. -
Montesquieu
He believed that abuse of powers may occur if there was no balance in power. This made for separation of powers into branches.