Magna Carta Research Paper

Throughout the history of the United States the idea of limited government has always been present. The philosophy of limited government is to limit the power of the government in order to secure the individual unalienable rights and liberties. One document that is still held in high regards clearly outlines the limits of our own government. It is the Constitution in which these limits of power and duty are outlined. Although this document was not the first to present this philosophy. Before it came many others which ultimately contributed to the Constitution.

Through its long history the Magna Carta was an important stepping stone in the development of the theory of limited government. Although at the time in which the Magna Carta was written, it did not apply to many of the people. And more so less today. Yet from the Magna Carta it is believed that the important principles of jury by trial were derived. Other principles such as the right to a fair trial and no taxation without representation were
In the declaration it states that each person is entitled to certain unalienable rights which are supposed to be protected by our government. The declaration voices that whichever powers are granted to the private citizens are also granted to the government. Whatever powers not granted to these citizens are also not granted to the government and if acted upon would violate the declaration. For example if a private citizen is not allowed, at will, take the property of another without just cause, then the government also does not have that same right. Exceptions to this example are things such as the right for the government to keep an army. While private citizens are obviously not allowed to keep armies, the purpose of such organizations is kept within the best interest of the population and is therefore deemed appropriate use of a power not granted to private