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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was the first document forced onto a King of England by the feudal barons. It was an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. -
Petition of Right
This was a major English constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing. The Petition contains restrictions on non-Parliamentary taxation, forced billeting of soldiers, imprisonment without cause, and restricts the use of martial law. -
English Bill of Rights
It lays down limits on the powers of sovereign. It also sets out the rights of Parliament and rules for freedom of speech in Parliament. -
Albony Plan of Union
An early attempt at forming a union. It was one of many plans suggested at the Albany Congress -
Boston Massacre
The British came in, killed 5 men, and injured 6. This created even more tension between Americans and the British -
Boston Tea Party
The tea party was a political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. The Tea Party was the culmination of a resistance movement throughout British America against the Tea Act. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from twelve British North American colonies that met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. It was called in response to the passage of the Coercive Acts. -
Second Continental Congress
This was a convention of delegates from the 13 colonies. They started meeting in Philadelphia, around when the American Revolution began -
Declaration of Independence
This announced that the 13 American colonies, regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. Thomas Jefferson composed the original draft. -
Articles of Confederation
The first attempt at a central/federal government of the original 13 colonies. It was to give all 13 states equality. -
Shays' Rebellion
Was named after Daniel Shays, a ver of the American Revolution.
It was precipitated by several factors: financial difficulties brought about by a post-war economic depression, a credit squeeze caused by a lack of hard currency, and fiscally harsh government policies. -
Philadelphia Convention
This convention was to address problems in governing the United States, which had been operating under the Articles of Confederation following independence from Great Britain. The result of the Convention was the United States Constitution. -
Virginia Plan
This was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. The Virginia Plan was notable for its role in setting the overall agenda for debate in the convention. -
New Jersey Plan
This was a proposal for the structure of the United States Government. The Plan was presented by William Paterson at the Constitutional Convention.
