Origins of American Government

Articles of Confederation

177

the United States' original form of governance. Although work on this document started as soon as the Declaration of Independence was approved, it wasn't ratified until March 1, 1781. This called for a geographic division of power along the lines of the Confederacy, with each state maintaining its independence and sovereignty while joining forces with the other states to form "a firm league of friendship."

Magna Carta (1215)

1215

Introduces trial by jury, due process of law. Establishes the principal that the power of the monarch is not absolute.

The Petition of Right

1628

The document guaranteed trial by jury, outlawed martial law during times of peace, required homeowners to quarter soldiers without their consent only if deemed necessary by Parliament.

Bill of Rights

1688

Prohibits a standing army in peacetime, except with consent of Parliament.

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

Delegates from the thirteen colonies—all but Georgia—met in Philadelphia to deliberate over the state of affairs with England and determine the best course of action. In a Declaration of Rights that they delivered to King George III, they expressed their disapproval of the unjust laws that had been applied to them. They pushed the colonies to stop doing business with Britain altogether until things got better.

Revolutionary War

Apr 19, 1775

a conflict mostly fought by the American colonies and England. Following Britain's repeated refusal to heed the colonists' protests against the harsh conditions imposed upon them, the war broke out at Lexington and Concord. According to the Articles of Confederation, it was subsequently governed by a Congress on the American side, following the Second Continental Congress. Through the Treaty of Paris, it came to an end.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

The first government of our country was formed in Philadelphia when representatives from each of the 13 colonies convened. This council appointed George Washington to the position of commander in chief. Throughout the whole war, the Second Continental Congress raised troops, negotiated treaties, and purchased supplies, acting as a government from the time the Declaration of Independence was signed until the Articles of Confederation took effect.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Approximately one year after the start of the Revolutionary War, this proclamation declared America's independence from Great Britain. The United States of America became an official country of independent states upon the signing of this agreement.

Constitutional Convention

May 25, 1787

met to address and solve the problems that were present in the Articles of Confederation.

Ratification of the Constitution

Sep 17, 1787

39 of the 41 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed our current constitution into law after numerous compromises.