The document discusses the evolution of governments from absolute monarchies with unlimited ruler power and no citizen rights, to limited governments influenced by events in the 1600s-1700s. A key early example was the Magna Carta signed in medieval England, which established that the king was not above the law and set a precedent for an unwritten constitution outlining citizens' rights. Modern constitutions are characterized by limiting the ruler's power, democratic participation, and separating government powers among different branches.

2. Most governments in the world were
Absolute Monarchies.
The rulers had absolute power.
Citizens had little to no rights.
Freedom was a dream.

3.  Some governments
were limited
governments.
 Citizens had rights
and a say in
government
decisions.

4.  Changes in Europe in
the 1600s-1700s
began to affect how
people saw the
government.
 The discovery of the
Americas, the change
in economics, etc led
to a new way of
seeing things.

5.  The first great example
of limited government
was the Magna Carta.
 It was an English
document, signed in the
Middle Ages, that
limited the power of the
kings.
 Stated that even the
king had to obey the
laws

6.  The Magna Carta
established England’s
unwritten constitution.
 A constitution is a set
of laws that govern a
country.
 The Bill of Rights
added to English
government.

7.  1) Creation of a
constitution that limited
the powers of the ruler
 2) Democratic principles
guiding culture so
people get a say in
government
 3) Separation of powers
between:
• Legislature
• Executive
• Judicial Branches