What is the name of the fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlines the rights of individuals and the principles of government?

The fundamental document of the French Revolution that articulates the rights of individuals and the principles that should guide government is known as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This pivotal text, adopted in 1789, was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideas emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity, and it established essential civil rights and the concept that all men are born free and equal in rights.

The declaration served not only as a foundation for the new republic but also sought to define the relationship between individuals and the state, asserting that sovereignty resides in the people rather than a monarch. Its importance extended beyond France, inspiring numerous movements and declarations around the world that advocate for human rights and democratic principles.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence pertains to America's secession from Britain and does not address the specific challenges of revolutionary France. The Constitution of 1791 was a subsequent document that attempted to outline the structure of the French government after the revolution but came after the fundamental rights were established. Similarly, the Rights of Man Charter is not a recognized historical document related to the French Revolution.