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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was signed in 1215. It was signed as a restriction of King John of England's power. This granted protection from illegal imprisonment, abuse of rights, and limitations on feudal taxes on barons and baronesses. It is considered a Charter of Rights. It is still in effect. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first legal and governing contract in the United States. The basis of the document was to govern the colony of Plymouth made by the male passengers on 11 November 1620. The passengers were fleeing religious persecution. This officially was the first governing body of America. -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut constituted the structures and powers of the colonial governance. It set the first constitution of the American continent, hence Connecticut's nickname "The Constitution State". This constitution gave men rights not precedent in England. Signed 14 January 1639. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights of 1689 is a document formed by Parliament. It constitutes the powers of the Crown. Taxation cannot be stated without Parliament's decision or approval. It sets out the rights for Parliament for free elections, freedom of speech, and the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. This, ironically, is the basis of the United States Constitution. -
Albany Plan of Union
This plan was proposed on July 10, 1754. This plan proposed an independent colony and government represented by the Crown. The plan was sent to the British Parliament. Parliament rejected the notion. This was the first independence document. -
Seven Years War (The French and Indian War)
The Seven Years War, or the French and Indian War, was a "empirical war". The war consisted of territorial gains and losses of the old powers, as France lost their territorial claim to North America. In America, this conflict gave an inspiration towards independence. As the war ended, taxation without representation started. -
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Intolerable Acts
As the relationship between the Colonies and by the Crowned worsened, taxes were put upon the colonies. The taxes were meant for refunding the British Exchequer, and the US was furious. These led to protest in the colonies. As the Intolerable Acts grew in size, so did independence. -
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First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was created to unite the British Colonies into the United States. This Congress acted as the governing body before it's disbandment in the following month. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was formed May 10, 1775 to act as the de facto governing body of the newly formed United States. All Thirteen Colonies participated in what was to become the American Revolution. The Congress was disbanded once the Articles of Confederation were created. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document composed and voted upon on July 2nd. The motion was ratified on July 4th, signaling a proper declaration of independence from Great Britain. This action fueled the idea of an independent America fro the Crown. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of independence. -
Articles of Confederation
The document was created November 15, 1777 as the first constitution of the US. It was a weak constitution that governed the states with a weak federal government. Ratified in 1781, it governed the US for six years. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's rebellion lasted from August 1786 to June 1787. This rebellion was made to rebel the over-taxation of Massachusetts. This was inspired directly after the revolution. This is significant because it could show the power of the articles of Confederation, since federal troops could not stop the insurrection. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was proposed May 29, 1787. It proposed the idea of a federal government based on bicameralism. The Representation in government would be based solely on population. Many of the smaller states believed that this was unfair. The New Jersey plan was a counter plan. -
Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was composed of a compromise on representation. Formed for the basis of taxation of the southern colonies, it was settled that for every five slaves, three slaves are counted for in representation. This gave more representatives to slave owning states without counting the full slave. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan is the plan where smaller and bigger states have equal representation. Created on June 15th, the plan proposed that regardless of representation, each state would be allocated two representatives called "senators". The plan would give more power to the smaller states and developed the Senate.
