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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Drafted to make peace between unpopular king, King John, and a group of rebels. It promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, and access to swift justice. -
Petition of Right
Major English constitutional document. Sat out specific liberties that the king could not infringe upon. -
English Bill of Rights
English precursor of the Constitution. It limited the power of the English sovereign. -
Albany Plan of Union
This was proposed by Benjamin Franklin with the purpose of creating a unified form of government for the 13 colonies. It was rejected. -
Boston Massacre
The killing of 5 Boston colonists. Caused by tensions since royal troops appeared in Boston to enforce the Townshend Acts. -
Boston Tea Party
Protest led by Sons of Liberty. Led to Intolerable Acts. -
First Continental Congress
Meeting of delegates from 12/13 colonies (none from Gorgia). Occured as a result of the Intolerable Acts. -
Second Continental Congress
Meeting of delegates from all of the 13 colonies. Soon the Revolutionary War followed. -
Declaration of Independence
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Listed greivances about English rule and declared America independant. -
Articles of Confederation
It was first Constitution of the United States. It was adopted on Novemer 15, 1777, and was ratified by every state on March 1, 1781. -
Shay's Rebellion
Armed uprising in Massachusetts. Daniel Shay's led a group of rebels against Massachusetts courts. -
Philadelphia Converntion
Caused by the troubles with the Articles of Confederation. Delegates discussed ideas such as the legislative branch, this is when the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan were proposed. -
Virginia Plan
Proposal by Virginina delegates for bicameral legislative branch. Both houses were based on population. -
New Jersey Plan
Proposal for the legislative branch. Proposed unicameral legislature with 1 vote per state.
