Ideas that Influenced the Formation of American Government

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

Various new copies made throughout time. Is an English Charter to require King John of England to proclaim certain liberties.

Mayflower Compact

Nov 11, 1620

Was the first government document of Plymoth Colony. Is a basic set of rules and laws.

State of Nature

Aug 23, 1680

Is a political philosophy term. And used in therioes of the Social Contract

Two Treatises of Government

Aug 24, 1689

Writin by John Locke. First treatsie was for the Government, the second was for normal people.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

Was a act of the Parliment of England. The first time people get rights for themselves and limits the power of kings.

Natural Rights

Aug 23, 1743

Challenged the right of kings. Human rights is closely related to natural rights.

Spirit of Laws

Aug 24, 1750

Was a treatsies on political theroys. Was written by Montesquie. the three brances of government was derived from this.

Social Contract

Feb 5, 1762

Talks about what is and isnt fair. Was written by Jean Jacques Rousseau.

Enlightenment

Aug 23, 1765

Was an elite movement in 18th century Europe. The movement was to advance knowledge.

Contienintal Congress (1st)

Sep 5, 1774

Brief metting in carpenders hall in philadelphia. It had 56 delagates of twelve of the 13 colonies

Common Sense

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. Benjamin Franklin helped Thomas publish and edit it.

Articles of Confederation

Mar 1, 1781

Located in the National Archives. It's purpose was the Constutution of the United States.