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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Forcefully signed by King John, this was a document that stated the freedom of the people of the British Empire. It was brought to the new world, and can be found in the 5th Amendment in the American Constitution. -
Jan 1, 1295
Parliament Begins
Edward I based this parliament off of Montfort's idea from 1264. It was called the "Model Parliament", and knights and burgesses attended. From each county of England, 2 burgesses, 2 knights, and 2 citizens were representatives. -
House of Burgesses
This was the first legislature started by the colonists, in Virginia. They met to vote on representatives for each colony and to abolish martial law. Martial law was when the military took over and the people were no longer in power, much like what was happening with the Red Coats. -
Mayflower Compact
This was written by the settlers at Plymouth Rock. It was a set of fair and just laws that they did not have in Britian. Written by the Pilgrims, they left to seek religious freedom and a new way of life. -
Glorious Revolution
James II was overthrown, leaving William III and Mary II in power. The Whigs and the Tories, the two different political parties, both came together to fight against him. -
English Bill of Rights
This was essentially a new copy of the Declaration of Right. It was based off of John Locke's teachings and is still in effect today. Much like the American Bill of Rights, this laid out the rights of the people and restrictions on the government. -
Common Law
Literally meaning a common law. Used to create an unbiased opinion and fair ruling legal system. -
Stamp Act
This was when Britain added a tax on printed goods. The tax was identified by a special stamp on the taxed product. -
Intolerable Acts
These were laws passed after the Boston Tea Party. They were: Boston Port Act, Administration of Justice Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act. -
First Continental Congress
This group met to discuss ways to repond to British threat. When they met in September, they voded to send a petition to Parliament. -
Second Continental Congress
This congress formed when the battles in Lexington were occuring, to make a plan about what to do. Every colony sent a representative, except Georgia. -
Articles of Confederation
This document established the first 13 states, and the United States of America. It was ratified completely in 1781, and served as our first constitution. -
Shays' Rebellion
Named after the main rebel, Daniel Shays, this resistance was caused by financial disruption in Massachusetts. Leading up to the rebellion, over 1000 Shaysites had been arrested. -
Constitutional Convention
This convention, that took place in Philidelphia from May 14 to September 17, produced the US Constitution. George Washington was elected as the leader, and was supposed to create a better government. -
The Great Compromise
This was made during the Constitutional Convention, saying the the government would have two houses in Congress. Other parts of the agreement are based in our Constitution and government reasoning today. -
Constitution Ratified by 2/3 of The States
Through 1787 and 1788, the colonies were on their way to ratifying the Constitution. "The Federalist Papers" and other pamphlets were written to pursuade people to support the Constitution. Those works influenced America, and we might not have our Constitution without them. -
The Federalist Papers
This is a group of essays promoting the US Constitution. Along with eight others like it, the hundreds of essays make up "The Federalist". -
Bill of Rights
Recognised as the first 10 Amendments, these are the basis to our Constitution. They state the people's freedoms, government restrictions, and more.
