Charter

Real World Example

A charter was a formal document issued by a monarch or government granting specific rights or privileges to individuals or groups. During the settlement of North America, charters were crucial because they allowed companies and individuals to establish colonies with certain freedoms and protections, like the Virginia Company's charter for Jamestown. Charters represented hope and opportunity for settlers, as they offered a chance to start anew with a promise of self-governance and economic freedom. Today, the ideas behind charters can be seen in the way we value personal rights and freedoms, such as the rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution. For example, when people start a business today, they often seek a business license or charter, providing them the legal right to operate and ensuring their rights are protected.