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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Established that everyone is subject to the law, including the king. It also guaranteed the rights of individuals. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first agreement for self-government to be created and enforced in America. It established the first democratic government in the colonies. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right is an English constitutional document that outlined specific liberties. It expressed many ideas that later led to the American Revolution. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights is a document that protects the rights of citizens. -
Iroquois Confederacy
The Iroquois Confederacy convinced tribes to exist in unity and peace. Their political system was set up as a two-house legislature. -
Cato's Letters
Cato's letters are a group of writings that were sent to the thirteen colonies. The letters had a strong theme of liberty. The thirteen colonies were influenced by these letters. The letters may have sparked the American Revolution. -
Stamp Act Congress
The Stamp Act Congress consisted of representatives from 9 colonies. They came together to protest the Stamp Act issued by British Parliament. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting among all thirteen colonies. The Continental Congress decided to boycott all contact with British goods. -
Common Sense By: Thomas Paine
Common Sense is a book written by Thomas Paine. It spoke directly to the thirteen colonies. It advocates for independence from Great Britain and the creation of a democratic republic. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence announced that Americans were no longer under British rule. It contains the ideals or goals of our nation. -
Articles of Confederation
The Artilces of Confederation is a written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. -
Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers are a collection of writings that promoted the ratification of the United States Constitution. -
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise refers to the agreement among all states to have a two-house legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. -
Constitutional Convention
The purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to decide how America was going to be governed. Members who attended the Constitutional Convention discussed possible improvements to the Articles of Confederation. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was proposed during the Constitutional Convention. The plan proposed a strong central government composed of three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative.
