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Feb 4, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was drafted to protect church rights and to protect people from illegal imprisonment. The Magna Carta limited the power of the English king. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right is a major English constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights limited the power of the king. The king and queen William and Mary accepted the English Bill of Rights. -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union was a plan to put the British North American colonies under a more centralized government. It was never carried out, but it was an important proposal. -
Boston Massacre
Five colonists were killed during the Boston Massacre. This happened because of the heavy burden imposed by the Townshend Acts. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists attacked merchant ships in Boston Harbor. To retaliate, the British closed the port. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from 12 colonies. They met at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a group of delegates who began meeting in 1775. They convened in Philedelphia when the Redcoats were storming Boston. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. It included ideals of individual liberty fro John Locke and the Continental philosophers. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation wwas the United States's first constitution. It was created on November 15, 1777 and under these articles, the states were independent. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts. The farmers called meetings to protest conditions and agree on a protest. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. It was drafted by James Madison. -
Philadelphia Convention
The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, took place to address the problems in governing the United States. The intention was to create a new government. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for the structure of the US governent. It was presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention.
