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Petition of Right
Early English document supporting idea that men have rights and establishing concept of rule of law. It included basic rights likeguarantee of trial by jury, protection against marshal law, protection against quartering of troops and protection of private property. All of these were essential in the creation of the constitution. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights created in 1689 was a precursur to the constitiution. Many of the bill's basic laws were added to the constitution. -
Boston Tea Party
While not directly connected, the Boston Tea Party was a reaction to the taxes being levyed by England against the colonists. It was felt by the colonists that the King was outstepping his bounds and curtailing the colonist's rights as English citizens. Keeping the injustices that had been commited by the British crown in mind, the writers of the constitution constructed a form of government with checks and balances to prevent a similar situation happening in the future. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, contributed directly to the Constitution. Madison took a lot of what was said in it and put in the constitution. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781. It was the USA's first contitution. However, it proved to be to weak and later lead the way for the modern day contituiton to be made. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shays ' Rebellion was an armed uprising that took place in Massachusetts during 1786 and 1787. This uprising proved the Articles of Confederation to be weak. This is how the modern day constitution came about.
