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The Petition of Right
The Petition of Right limited the king's power in several ways. Most importantly, it demanded that the king no longer imprison or otherwise punish any person but by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights prohibited a standing army in peace time, except with the consent of Parliament,and required that all parliamentary elections be free. It also included guarentees such as the right to a fair trial, as well as freedom from excessive bail and from cruel and unusual punishment. -
Boston Massacre
British troops in Boston fired on a jeering crowd, killing five, in what came to be known as the Boston Massacre. -
The Boston Tea Party
A group of men, disguised as Native Americans, boarded three tea ships in Boston Harbor. They broke open the chests and dumped the ship's cargo into the sea to protest British control of the tea trade. -
The Declaration of Independence
Congress named a committee of five-Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson-to prepare a proclamation of independence. With the adoption of the Declaration, the United States was born. The 13 colonies became free and independent states. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation established "a firm league of friendship" among the States. The articles did not go into effect immediately though. -
Shay's Rebellion
In the fall of 1786, Daniel Shays, who served as an oficer in the War fo Independence, led an armed uprising that forced several State judges to close their courts. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan retained the unicameral Congress of Confederation, with each of the States equally represented. The New Jersey Paln, also called for a "federal executive" of more than one person.
