1. Liberty and Equality:
- All three documents emphasize the importance of liberty and equality for all individuals. They assert that individuals have inherent rights that should not be violated.
2. Popular Sovereignty:
- The idea that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed is a fundamental principle in all three documents.
3. Rule of Law:
- These documents establish the principle that the government and its officials are subject to the law. They emphasize the importance of due process and the impartial application of the law.
4. Unalienable Rights:
- The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence recognize the existence of unalienable rights that individuals possess regardless of government action. These include the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
5. Separation of Powers:
- The US Constitution embodies the principle of separation of powers, dividing government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent concentration of power.
6. Freedom of Religion:
- The US Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and protects the exercise of religious beliefs without government interference.
7. Checks and Balances:
- The US Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful. Each branch has the ability to limit the power of the others.
8. Representation and Suffrage:
- The idea that citizens have the right to participate in government through representatives elected through suffrage finds expression in these documents.
9. Freedom of Speech and Assembly:
- These documents recognize and protect the rights of individuals to express their opinions and assemble freely.
10. Consent of the Governed:
- Governments are based on the consent of the people. No government can rightfully rule without the consent of its citizens.
11. Government by Law:
- Governments must be based on the rule of law, not the arbitrary will of individuals. Laws must be equal for everyone, and no one is above the law.
12. Right to Property:
- Individuals have a right to own property, and the government cannot arbitrarily take someone's property without just compensation.
13. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest:
- Individuals cannot be arrested or imprisoned without a warrant or proper legal process.
14. Right to a Fair Trial:
- Individuals have a right to a fair and public trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
These ideas have had a profound impact on the development of modern democratic systems and the protection of individual rights and liberties. They continue to shape the political and legal systems of nations worldwide.