Western Political Thought
Comparing Principles of Democracy
10.2 – Students compare and contrast the Glorious Revolution of England, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution and their enduring effects
worldwide on the political expectations for self-government and individual liberty.
2. List the principles of the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights (1689), the American Declaration of Independence (1776), the French Declaration of the
Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789), and the U.S. Bill of Rights (1791).
Magna Carta English Bill of Rights American Declaration of French Declaration of US Bill of Rights
Independence the Rights of Man and
1225 1689 1776 Citizen 1789 1791
Judicial Habeas Corpus: Freedom from cruel and trial by jury innocence until protection against
protection against unusual punishment and Habeas Corpus proven guilty unreasonable search
wrongful imprisonment excessive bail no ex post facto and seizure
Right to due process No punishment without application of criminal protection against self-
Right to jury of peers trial law incrimination
Punishment should be Sovereign required to right to speedy, public
proportionate to the maintain the Protestant trial by jury
crime religion no cruel and unusual
All are subject to the punishment or
law excessive bail
Trade and Safe passage for Freedom from taxation free trade equality of taxation
Taxation merchants (fair trade) without agreement from no taxation without financial transparency of
the Parliament consent the government
Sovereignty punishes corruption in Freedom from Royal objection to the popular sovereignty all powers not given
authority figures interference with the law absolute authority of specifically in the
Freedom to elect the King Constitution rest wit the
members of Parliament States and the people
without interference from
the Sovereign
Sovereign required to
maintain the Protestant
religion
Civil Rights Freedom of the Church Equality of men equality of all citizens freedom of religion
Cultural freedom of Inalienable rights inalienable rights speech, press,
cities It is the right of the freedom of speech and peaceable assembly
people to alter or press right to bear arms
abolish a destructive freedom of religion
government property rights and
eminent domain
Teachers are invited to share their own guide notes for development of this summary outline…
10.2.2 – Edition: May 2007 usc.edu/calis ﺍPage 1 of 2
Western Political Thought
Comparing Principles of Democracy continued…
Unit Questions:
1. How have principles of law changed over time? What principles have endured?
2. Which of these principles do we see in our government today? Which other document seems to have been the biggest influence?
3. What kind of progression in law do you see over the years? Are people given more or less protection? What about business?
As part of the LAUSD Instructional Guide:
What are the “good questions” that come out of this comparison? What are the most important lessons of history in this California content standard?
What cases, support materials, and activities will build the necessary background for students to respond proficiently to these questions?
10.2.2 – Edition: May 2007 usc.edu/calis ﺍPage 2 of 2