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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
It was a document that constituting a guarantee of rights and privileges for citizens. -
Mayflower Compact
Pilgrims had come to America on the Mayflower to colonize the states here. They wanted to maintain order and have equal laws. It was important because it was the first document to establish self-government in the New World. It later was absorbed into Massachusetts Bay in 1691. -
The English Bill of Rights
The Bill was used as a way for separation of powers, limits the powers of the king and queen, and freedom of speech and religion. It was useful because it gave the US the first 10 Amendments and Bill of Rights. -
Declaration of Independence
The 13 colonies wanted to break away from being under British control. It was set to give the US their own rules and a way to start their own country. It lists rights and people have power in government. All men are equal. -
Articles of Confederation
After the US declared independence from Great Britain, they wanted to establish a way to have a new government. It was too weak at first so it was used as a template to make the government better. -
Virginia Plan
It was created to have 3 branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Representation was based on the wealth and population of a state. James Madison wanted a strong bicameral government, unlike the New Jersey Plan. -
Great Compromise
The Great Compromise came about at the US Constitutional Convention to combine the ideas of the NJ and Virginia Plan. It took ideas from both sides of the argument and made sure both sides were happy with the results. As a result, it caused the 3/5th Compromise to come about when slavery still existed.
