the emphasis placed by American historians and the general public opinion upon the constitutive nature of Magna Carta for the American constitution and the American Dream seems too narrow if no mention is made from the Charter of Kortenberg or other Brabantian charters. Modern version of the charter of Kortenberg We, duke John II of Brabant, agree That no other demands or taxes be levied than those which are known as the three feudal cases: at the knighthood of my son the wedding of my daughter and if I should be taken captive The taxes will be reasonable (fiscal prerogative). An honourable jurisdiction for rich and poor. (judicial prerogative). To recognise the freedom of our good towns. (municipal prerogative). To establish a council which shall be comprised (sic) of: 4 knights or nobles. 10 representatives from the 5 cities as follows: 3 from Leuven 3 from Brussels 1 from Antwerp 1 from 's-Hertogenbosch (nowadays in North Brabant, Netherlands) 1 from Tienen 1 from Zoutleeuw This council be allowed to meet at Kortenberg in the Abbey. It will meet every 3 weeks to monitor whether the financial, judicial and municipal prerogatives are observed. That in the future improvements are introduced to the administration of the land by the council. That upon the death of members of the Council of Kortenberg, new members be designated. That the members of the Council take an oath on the Holy Gospel that they will pursue the best interests of the public. That the people have the right to resist should the Duke or his descendants refuse to observe the Charter of Kortenberg. References 14th century in the duchy of Brabant 1312 in Europe Kortenberg 1310s in the Holy Roman Empire History of Flemish Brabant