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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
When King John annoyed the British Lords they forced him to sit down and sign a document that limited his powers. It granted nobility the rights to trial by jury and due process. Also referred to as the Great Charter. -
English Bill of Rights
This document was signed by William and Mary, the monarchs of England at the time, in order to protect the people and limit the power of the crown. It included such ideas as the right to a fair trial and freedom from excess bail and cruel and unusual punishment. -
Albany Plan of the Union
This plan was created by Benjamin Franklin. It forced Congress to meet once a year, one delegate for each state. This plan gave Congress the power to raise the miitary, make war and peace, deal with Native AMericans, tax, and collect custom duties. -
Boston Tea Party
In protest to taxation without representation and specifically the tea tax, colonists threw a bunch of tea into the Boston Harbor. They were dressed as Native Americans. -
First Constitutional Congress
Delegates from twelve of the colonies met in Philadelphia. They encouraged boycotts. They also created a Declaration of RIghts to deliver to the King. -
Second Continental Congress
This Congress served as the first government of the UNited States. This congress brought us the Declaration of Independance. It was a unicameral Congress -
Declaration of Independance
Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, this document declares our independance from Britain. Originally it procluded the institution of slavery, however, the would not sign it so they compromised. -
Articles of Confederation
This was a rough draft for a constitution. It secured friendship between the colonies but it was too weak and did not provide a strong central government.
