1. Magna Carta and inherited limits on monarchy
Individuals & institutions
John, Edward Coke, Parliament
Events & dates
The 1215 charter constrained particular royal actions in medieval England; it did not establish modern democracy. Edward Coke later invoked common-law limits against Stuart royal prerogative. The 1689 English Bill of Rights strengthened parliamentary authority after the Glorious Revolution.
Consequences & historical significance
Colonial lawyers drew on English rights and representative traditions, although colonial voting and liberty remained sharply restricted by race, sex and property.