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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Enlightenment
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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
This document granted citizens of England basic rights that the king did not provide them. It was made to make peace between the king and barons. -
Petition of Right
This was a major English document that was set out like a constitution. It made it to where the King had to abide by these laws, which gave specific liberties to the people. -
English Bill of Rights
Written as a Parliament, this document secured the rights of English people. This later inspired works of the Constitution. -
Albany Plan of Union
This document was a plan to create a government for the thirteen colonies. Benjamin Franklin suggested the proposal. -
Boston Massacre
Royal troops enforced taxes on people in Massachusetts. This resulted in the British killing five colonists. -
Boston Tea Party
Colonists attacked merchant ships in the Boston harbor. This was in result of years of oppression and resulted in an even harsher government. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates met in the Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. This was in passage to the Intolerable Acts. -
Second Continental Congress
After the American Revolution had begun, there was a meeting held in Philadelphia. The delegates there were sent from each of the 13 colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by Jefferson, this document is filled with laws and amendments with ideas from all of our founding fathers. These rules are still used today. -
Articles of Confederation
This was the first constitution of the United States. The ratification did not occur until March 1, 1781 -
Shay's Rebellion
This was an uprising in Massachusetts against tax policies. This event was known to shape the Constitution. -
Virginia Plan
This plan was made because delegates wanted a bicameral legislative branch. Written by James Madison, it was proposed at the Constitutional Convention. -
New Jersey Plan
This was a proposal for the United States and discussed the structure of the government. This was presented by William Patterson at the Constitutional Convention. -
Philadelphia Convention
This convention addressed problems in the United States. It was intended to revise the Articles of Confederation.
