Arbitrary Authority Resistance Principles

The foundation of American freedom is the rule of law. The American Revolution was fought against the perceived arbitrary actions of the British Parliament and the King. The American government was created to prevent a single individual from wielding arbitrary power. To better understand why the founders thought that this was so important, this class will examine major events of British history from the Magna Carta in 1215 to the creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1789. Understanding the historical context of our freedoms illuminates the perils of sidestepping the rule of law for the advancement and enrichment of a select few.