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1215
Magna Carta
Group of barons forced King John to sign it. The barons who prompted it wanted protection against heavy handed and arbitrary acts. It established the idea that the monarchy's power wasn't absolute. -
English Bill of Rights
Prohibited an army in peacetime. Important because it prevented abuse of power from William and Mary. Also the US built upon these ideas from England. Some guarantees: right to a fair trial, freedom from excessive bail -
King George III
59 year reign. Pushed through a victory in the Seven Years War. Led resistance to France, and presided over loss of American Revolution. He was one of the most important Monarchs of England. -
First Continental Congress
Took place at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Fifty-Six delegates from all colonies except Georgia drafted a declaration of rights. Peyton Randolph elected as first president. Some of the delegates were George Washington, Patrick Henry, John Adams and John Jay. -
Second Continental Congress
The British government refused to compromise, happened during winter 1774-1775. Created a Continental Army, George Washington was commander and chief, happened in Philly May 10, 1775. Congress became first government for 5 years. -
Declaration of Independence
Committee of Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson to make a proclamation of independence. The work of creating it was mainly Thomas Jefferson. Delegates agreed to it on July 2 and it was adopted on July 4, 1776. -
Articles of Confederation
Established friendship, was to unite former colonies. Resembled an alliance of independent states rather than a traditional government. 11 of the 13 states originally approved of it, but Maryland was the last to do it on March 1, 1781. -
Constituional Convention
In Philadelphia, met between May and September of 1787. They wanted to address the problems of the government. They divided federal authority between the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. There was also problems from the debts of the Revolutionary War. -
Constitution Ratified
New Hampshire was the last state that was needed to ratify the constitution. Thirty eight of the forty one delegates signed the constitution on September 17, 1787. Five states immediately agreed to the constitution and then there was a compromise that said amendments would be proposed immediately. -
George Washington takes office
George Washington was elected on February 4,1789 becoming the first president of the United States. Sixty nine members of congress elected him. Runner up John Adams became the first vice president. He reluctantly accepted the decision of congress.
