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1215
The Magna Carta was made.
It was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law. It was designed as a peace agreement between King John and the barons. It did not end up being effective. -
Jamestown's House of Burgesses
It was the first democratically-elected legislative body in the British American colonies. It created a new society that was democratic and was based on rule of law. -
The Mayflower Compact
This was a sort of agreement that bound the signers (pilgrims) to obey the government/legal system that was established in Plymouth Colony. -
King Charles signs Petition of Rights.
This requires monarchs to obtain parliamentary approval before levying new taxes. They also couldn't unlawfully imprison people or establish military rule during times of peace. Helps individual rights. -
Conflicts are renewed and rebellion between the crown and Parliament continues.
This is important because it relates to how The Glorious Revolution was established Constitutional Monarchy. -
William and Mary chosen to rule.
They were chosen to rule in 1689 but had to govern according to statutes of Parliament. -
English Bill of Rights passed.
This guaranteed free speech and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. -
Sugar Act
It was an attempt to end the smuggling trade of sugar and molasses in the English colonies in America. It made it so the colonists had to buy sugar and molasses from Britain. -
Stamp Act
It was the 1st direct tax on paper goods and legal documents. The Stamp Act Congress would later get together to protest where they could get this tax appealed. -
Boston Massacre
Was an event where British soldiers fired into a crowd, leaving 5 colonists killed. This would later cause the colonists to protest. -
Boston Tea Party
Was an act of protest by the colonists caused by unfair taxes. Revolutionaries dumped LOTS of British tea into the Harbor. -
Intolerable Acts
Was a set of laws punishing the colonists after the Boston Tea Party. Colonists were forced to "Quarter", or house British troops in their homes as one example. -
Declaration of Independence written.
Inspired by John Locke and written to declare independence from Britain. -
Declaration of Independence signed.
It was signed by delegates to the Second Continental Congress declaring independence from Britain. -
Articles of Confederation ratified.
Delegates wanted a confederation in the colonies that kept their "sovereignty, freedom, and independence". It was a way for the states to each hold their own powers. -
Shay's Rebellion
This was where Massachusetts farmers rebelled over prospect of losing land. They also struggled with the lack of funding and support they received. The farmers attacked courthouses to keep judges from foreclosing on their farms. -
Northwest Ordinance
This established a plan for settling the Northwest territory. It created a system for admitting states to the Union, banning slavery in the territory, and guiding the nation's western expansion. -
1st Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. -
2nd Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to bear arms. -
3rd Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment said that citizens had the right not to house soldiers. -
4th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to not have any unreasonable searches or arrests. -
8th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to no excessive bail or cruel punishment. -
5th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to no double jeopardy or no witness against yourself. -
6th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to a speedy and public trial. -
7th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gave you the right to a jury trial in civic matters of $20 and over. -
9th Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment gives the people the rights not listed in the Constitution. -
10 Amendment
The first 10 amendments were a part of a group called the Bill of Rights. They were proposed September 25, 1789. This amendment says any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people. -
11th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment limits Supreme Court jurisdiction and was proposed on March 4, 1794. -
12th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment gives separate ballots for President and Vice President. It was proposed on December 9, 1803. -
13th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment abolished slavery. It was proposed on January 31, 1865. -
14th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment says if you are born or naturalized in the U.S. then you are a citizen of the U.S. It was proposed on June 13, 1866. -
15th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment says you cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed. It was proposed on February 26, 1869. -
16th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment authorizes the income tax. It was proposed on July 12, 1909. -
17th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment requires Senators to be elected by the people. It was proposed on May 13, 1912. -
18th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment prohibited alcohol. It was proposed on December 18, 1917. -
19th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment gave women the right to vote. It was proposed on June 4, 1919. -
20th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment set the dates for the beginning of congressional and presidential terms. It was proposed on March 2, 1932. -
21st Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment repealed the prohibition on alcohol. This was proposed on February 20, 1933. -
22nd Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment states that a president could only serve 2 terms. This was proposed on March 21, 1947. -
23rd Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment grants Washington D.C. electoral votes. It was proposed on June 17, 1960. -
24th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment ensures the vote cannot be taken away for failing to pay a poll tax. It was proposed on August 27, 1962. -
25th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment details presidential disability procedures. It was proposed on July 6, 1965. -
26th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment ensures the vote to all citizens over the age of 18. This was proposed on March 23, 1971. -
27th Amendment
This is a part of the Constitution that lays down the laws and rights of our country. This amendment restricts raises in congressional pay. It was proposed on May 7, 1992.