-
Crown versus John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger was accused of libel against the Royal governor. Zenger was the printer for the New York Weekly Journal. This paper pointed out the flaws of the Royal Governor Crosby and he did not like it. Zenger was not the writer of the paper only the one who printed it so it could be disbursed. The jury found Zenger not guilty. This case did not set precedence to the right to free press, but it did however plant the seed. -
Albany Congress
First time colonial leaders came together to discuss the upcoming conflict that was imminent with the French. They discussed the plan that Benjamin Franklin came up with called the Albany Plan which would have a president appointed by the British crown and would have 2-7 delegates from each colony attend these meetings and would give them legislative power. The idea rejected by the colonies because it would give the delegates too much power. -
The Declaration of Independence
The people of the colonies came together in Philadelphia and made the Declaration of Independence declaring their freedom from Britain. This day in history has impacted present times as we celebrate this day every year on the 4th of July. Independence day gave America freedom from its mother country. Rights and liberties that the people did not have while under the control of Britain were granted. This is the most important event in United States History. -
Articles of Confederation
The 1st constitution of the 13 colonies. This was something that would bring all the colonies together under the same government. It was drafted in 1777 in Williamsburg, Virginia, but was not ratified by all 13 colonies until 1781. It was hard for all the colonies to agree, hence why it took so long for all the colonies to adopt it. Not long after they adopted a different constitution on that we find very familiar. -
Shay's Rebellion
This occurred in Massachusetts in response to high taxes and debt of the people due to the American Revolution. People came together under the leadership of Daniel Shays and prevented the courts from convening in regards to foreclosure and debt cases. Shays led 1200 men to the Springfield arsenal to attack. Militia defeated them not long after in 1787 and Shays fled to Vermont. This rebellion sparked the thought of stronger national government. -
The United States Constitution
Outcome of the 1787 Philadelphia Convention. The constitution was to fix the Articles of Confederation. This new constitution described a bicameral government with a system of checks and balances incorporated. The Electoral college was also made at this time. People were not all on board when it came to the constitution due to the fact they felt it gave the national government too much power but by 1789 the constitution was declared to be in effect. -
Bill of Rights
Passed in 1791.Written by James Madison. The Bill of Rights came about because the people felt like they were not being protected under this new constitution. These were written in response to the public to protect their liberties. The Bill of Rights includes the first 10 Amendment of the Constitution. Originally there were 17 only 12 went through to senate and 10 were passed. These rights limit the national government and give the people of the United States freedoms.
