Magna Carta

The three major documents that laid the foundation for a limited and representative government were The Mayflower Compact, The Petition of Rights, and The Magna Carta. The Magna Carta was the main document that set up a limited government, placing strict powers on the monarch, which King John did not agree with but was forced to sign. This document granted the nobles many rights, although the Magna Carta did not grant individual rights to the commoners, it served as a very important basis to the basic limited government. The commoners did have say now; certain taxes could not be levied without poplar consent.

The Mayflower Compact and the Petition of Rights both served the same purpose in a sense, laying down the foundation of representative governments. These documents set up representative groups that would speak for the people, elected by the people, for the general good of the community. Also granting people the right to trail by jury, and no cruel and unusual punishment.

All of these documents helped establish the base for indirect democracy that exists today. The idea of elected officials, delegates, parliament, and other representatives of the people came from these early documents. The Mayflower Compact stated that there would be meetings held to work for the general good of the colony. Also the Petition of Rights and the Magna Carta say that the consent of the people and parliament must be considered, such as majority rule with minority rights.

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