-
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a document written by the Archibishop of Canterbury to make peace between the unpopular King and a group of rebel barons, it promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, access to swift justice, and limitations on payments to the Crown, -
Petition if Right
The Petition of Right is a document that disallowed the king from infringing upon the rights of the common people. These rights included the forced housing of soldiers, encarceration without cause, sudden, arbitrary raises in taxes, and use of martial law. -
English Bill of Rights
This document was passed in England and limited the powers of the monarchy. The English Bill of Rights disallowed cruel and unusual punishment, allowed freedom of speech in English Parliament, required regular parliaments, and free elections. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was the title given to an event in Boston, Massachussets where British soldiers killed 5 civilians and injured 6 others. The soldiers were originally stationed there to protect British-appointed officials who were trying to uphold unpopular parliamentary laws and regulations. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was a document signed amongst the 13 colonies that established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution. It gave the 13 colonies domestic and international legitimacy, allowed Congress to address the American Revolutionary War, deal with territorial threats, and conduct diplomacy with Europe. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was known for setting the overall agenda for debate in the convention and for legitimizing population-based representation.
