Final answer:
The Magna Carta and the Petition of Right both played crucial roles in protecting citizens' rights and curbing governmental power, contributing to the principles of modern democracy that influenced the American colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Magna Carta and the Petition of Right addressed issues related to the protection of citizens' rights and the limitations on governmental power. The Magna Carta established early protections for life, liberty, and property, and ensured that no free person could be harmed except by lawful judgment. The Petition of Right extended this by allowing commoners to have a voice in government, resisting the abuses of power by the king. Similarly, the English Bill of Rights further cemented these rights, requiring free elections and fair treatment of accused citizens, which was a clear progression towards modern democracy. This historical development is especially significant in the context of the American colonies, where such rights were fiercely defended and eventually led to the establishment of the United States.