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500
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece had a democracy. When creating a new government, people often looked at Greece for ideas and examples. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
King John made three terrible decisions. He fought with the pope, raised taxes, and tried to reduce the power of the barons. The barons rebelled and forced him to sign the Magna Carter. This charter established limited government, rule of law, due process of law, and individual rights. -
Mayflower Compact
People landed in VA instead of MA. Some colonist thought that since they had broken the original charter, they could do whatever they wanted. To stop this from happening, this document was written. The government was based on majority. -
Thomas Hobbes
He believed that the government was formed to protect people from each other. He believed that we need a monarch. -
John Locke
John believed that the government existed to serve the people. He also believed in representative government. Today we still use a representative government. -
English Bill of Rights
England had just ended a civil war. This document limited the power of the monarchs. The monarchs can only act with parliamentary consent. It also expanded individual rights. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
He believed that the government should be formed competely by the people. He also believed that all men are created equal. -
Voltaire
He believed in the freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is in our Constitution. He also believed that all men are created equal. -
Cesare Beccaria
He was against torture and the use of capital punishment for minor and serious offenses. -
First Continental Congress
This meeting went on for two months. The colonist refused to trade with Great Britain until they removed the taxes and regulations. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates from all 13 colonies were there. At this meeting, they decided to declare their independence. This served as the US government for 5 years. -
Declaration of Independence
This document was written to show the king all the mistakes he has made. The outcome of this document was that America gained independence. -
Treaty of Paris
This was the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War. When this was ratified, the US was offically independent -
Articles of Confederation
This served as the government for several years. The states had absolute power. Congress did not have much money, so they weren't very powerful. The states could do whatever they wanted. -
Shay's Rebellion
Taxes on land had been increased. People could not pay them. Hundred of farmers, led by Daniel Shays, stormed into a oourthouse. Americans began to want a stronger national government. This rebellion helped put an end to the Articles of Confederation. -
Philadelphia Convention
Delegates from all thirteen colonies were present. There was so many problems with the Articles of Confederation, so they decided to make a brand new government. Everything that was discussed was to be kept secret. Each state got one vote. -
Ancient Rome
The Romans had a republic as a government. They elected people to represent them. We do the same thing.