Founding American Documents

Charters of the Virginia Company of London

Jan 1, 1606

Document
These documents, which were written by King James I, authorized th establishment of the colinies, and guranteed English rights to the American colonists.

Virginia Declartion of Rights

May 15, 1776

Document
This document, written by George Mason, served as a model for the Bill of Rights.

Declaration of Independance

Jul 4, 1776

Document
With this document,written by Thomas Jefferson, the colonies declared their indedance from England and established our "unalienable rights" of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which we Americans still live by today.

Articles of Confederation

Jan 1, 1781

First form of national government, that failed because of a weak central government and was replaced with the constitution.

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Jan 16, 1786

Document
Written by Thomas Jefferson, this document, which served as a role model for the 1st ammendment of the Constitution, seperates church and state, and guarantees religious freedom for all.

Constitution

Sep 17, 1787

The Constitution, written by Thomas Jefferson is considered the backbone of the US government.