The writings presented in this volume, part of a two-volume set, are the political tracts of the English speaking peoples in the 17th century which established principles of governance and liberty that could be seen to have not only benefited themselves but also the founders of the American Republic. Included in the text is work by Coke, Sydney and Shaftesbury. This first volume consists of pamphlets written from the reign of James I to the Restoration (1620-1660). (Volume Two encompasses writings from the Restoration through the revolution of 1688-1689).