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1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is the charter of English liberties. It was made in 1215 and was altered three times after that. It declares the sovereign to be subject to the rule of law and also documented the liberties held by so called free men. It also administered the foundations for rights of individuals in anglo-american jurisprudence. -
Mayflower Compact
In 1620 English settlers came to what we know as America today on the Mayflower. Intending to land in Northern Virginia but ending up in Massachusetts due to the weather out at sea. They knew that not having any type of laws would cause chaos and havoc. They then came up with what we know as the Mayflower Compact which are rules that they came up with themselves and decided to self govern. -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Throughout the 1930s the English Puritans moved from the Massachusetts Bay area to the Connecticut valley. Though the Dutch had found the Connecticut River, the English had already accomplished settling in most of that region. During 1638 representatives came from three major settlements to set up a unified government for the colony. Roger Ludlow wrote most of it and presented a frame where people put the community before themselves and it was adopted by Wethersfield, Windsor, and Hartford. -
English Bill of Rights
In 1689 William III and Mary II signed an act called the English Bill of Rights. William and Mary were co-rulers who overthrew King James II. Many experts say that this was one of the main things that set the government up for a constitutional monarchy, considering it gave Parliament more power over the monarchy. This is also one of the things that the U.S. used to help create our Bill of Rights. -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan was the first important idea that would bring all of the colonies together as a whole. It was going to be used to create a more centralized government for the colonies. Though never carried out representatives from 7 British Northern American adopted the plan. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, otherwise known as the Seven Years' War lasted from 1756-1763. The French and Indian War started from a New World conflict when the French tried expanding into the Ohio River valley. The British were helped out by their Native allies and William Pitt with him financing most of it and won 3 battles. The French were also helped by their Native allies. At the 1763 peace conference the British were given the areas of Canada from France, and Florida from Spain. -
First Continental Congress
During September of 1774 delegates from every colony (besides Georgia) met in Philadelphia to come up with a plan to resist against Parliament. Including George Washington, John Adams, John Jay, and more. They structured it on equality of participants and promoting free debate. After much discussion Congress issued this and although didn't want to pay the taxes, they exclaimed their loyalty for the British Crown. -
The Acts
Beginning with the Sugar Act of 1764, was made to end the stealing of sugar and molasses from French and Dutch West Indies. Next, the Stamp Act was passed to help with supporting their military that was stationed in the US during the Seven Years' War during 1765. Lastly the Intolerable Act was when the British Parliament passed laws after the Boston Tea Party to punish colonists for their uprising about the increased taxations from the British government during 1774. -
Second Continental Congress
Soon after the Revolutionary War started delegates from the 13 colonies once again met in Philadelphia. Many of the same delegates that were at the First Continental Congress were at this one as well. This managed the colonial war effort by borrowing funds and without the support of taxes. Along with the guidance of congress we moved towards independence. -
Declaration of Independence
This was the first statement by the people of America declaring their right to choose their own government. American soldiers were fighting for their own and the country's independence against British Soldiers. With the war in full swing, 5 delegates had to vote on the movement for independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4th, 1776. -
Articles of Confederation
Written in 1777 the Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the U.S.. Although slowed by the fears of central authority and land claims by states, it was ratified on March 1st, 1781. With these articles the U.S. remained independent and sovereign. Along with staying independent and sovereign, the articles also gave Congress the authority to make treaties/alliances, maintain military, and maintain money. -
Shay's Rebellion
Taking place in Western Massachusetts, this was an armed uprising from 1786-1787. It took place mainly in and around Springfield. During this time there was a debt crisis going on and the government decided to up taxes. The government upped/collected more taxes on individuals and their trades. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan, or otherwise known as the "Large-state Plan" was an idea that federal government would have three branches and would also have a bicameral legislature. Presented and made by James Madison in 1787. This idea was also presented at the Constitutional Convention that year. This plan also favored that states that had large populations. -
Three-fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was a signed agreement between North and South states. It was signed and agreed on at the US Constitutional Convention in 1787. This was made to have three-fifths of the slave population would be counted so that they could regulate direct taxation. It was also so that they could determine representation in the House of Representatives. -
New Jersey Plan
Created by William Paterson, the New Jersey Plan was put in place to keep the vote in congress equal. Paterson presented this idea at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Opposed by James Maddison and Edmund Randolph, along with a few others the plan was rejected. Congress voted to use the Virginia Plan, but added some ideas from the New Jersey Plan to it.
