Print this page Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights: The Foundations of Democracy

Many of the rights, freedoms and democratic principles we enjoy today can be traced back to two landmark documents in English history: Magna Carta (1215) and the Bill of Rights (1689). Created in times of political upheaval and conflict, these documents challenged the power of the Crown and helped establish principles that continue to shape democratic societies, including Australia. This engaging course explores the historical events that led to the creation of Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights, examining their enduring influence on law, government and individual liberties. Discover how rebellious barons forced King John to accept limits on royal authority, and how the overthrow of the Stuart monarchy during the Glorious Revolution led to a new constitutional settlement between Parliament and the Crown.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Anne Pallister: Magna Carta - the Heritage of Liberty (Oxford, 1971)
• Patrick Dillon: The Last Revolution - 1688 and the creation of the modern world (Cape, 2006)

COURSE OUTLINE

• The origins of Magna Carta and the assault of the power of the Crown - its lasting relevance to today in law and politics
• The overthrow of Stuart absolutism - the last English rebellion and the political settlement that endures to today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand how our modern Australian democracy was forged in two rebellions against the power of the Crown.