Government And Political Philosophers.

Under rule of law, everyone is subject to the rules and laws of the land. No one, not even the top government officials, are above the law.

Hobbes held a negative view of people and did not believe they were capable of ruling themselves.

The Magna Carta introduced rule of law, limited government, and due process to check King John who was abusing power.

Charles I had implemented martial law after citizens rebelled against the unfair tax. Under martial law, he forced citizens to house (or quarter) troops in their homes.

Hobbes felt as though people should give up their freedoms to one person while Locke thought people should give up limited freedoms to the government in return for protection of their natural rights

The idea of habeas corpus states that the government cannot imprison a citizen without notifying them as to the reason why. Charles I had been jailing citizens for indefinite periods of time for not paying an illegal tax.

Locke believed in life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson would change property to pursuit of happiness in the Declaration of Independence.

Separation of power was viewed as necessary to prevent a dictator or oligarchy from coming into power. This would have a major impact on the United States' government

Montesquieu thought that Democracy was best as it limited the opportunity for autocracies.

Free elections to Parliament was a key part of the English Bill of Rights and would have an impact on the future government of the United States.