American Priors
Religious Tradition
Ancient Political Theory
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli’s handbook for rulers, 1513
Utopia
Thomas More’s social and political satire, 1516
Plutarch's Lives
Paired biographies written by the Greek biographer Plutarch, circa second century
Modern Political Theory
Second Treatise of Government
John Locke’s treatise on political theory that has influenced much of American political thought.
The Spirit of the Laws
Montesquieu’s work of political philosophy that explores the nature and principles of forms of government.
Discourses Concerning Government
Algernon Sidney’s defense of republican self-government popular with America’s founders.
Legal Precedents
Magna Carta (1215)
“The Great Charter” of English rights and liberties, 1215
English Bill of Rights
Parliament’s landmark 1688 act in English constitutional law
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