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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta, meaning "The Great Charter," is one of the most famous documents in the world. The Manga Carta established for the first time the principle that everybody, including the king, was subject to the law. Some of the Magna Carta core principles are echoed by the United States Bill of Rights (1791). -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right is a major English constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing.
The Petition of Right contained four main points: 1.) No taxes could be levied without Parliament's consent. 2.)No English subject could be imprisoned without cause--thus reinforcing the right of habeas corpus. 3.)No quartering of soldiers in citizens homes. 4.)No martial law may be used in peacetime. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights is an act that the Parliament of England passed on December 16, 1689. The Bill creates separation of powers, limits the powers of the king and queen, enhances the democratic election and bolsters freedom of speech. -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union was a plan to created a united government for the thirteen colonies. This idea was drafted by Benjamin Franklin. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a street fight between the "patriot" mob and a squad of bristish soliders. They were throwing objects like stones and sticks at each other. This event killed 5 male citizens and injuried 6 others. -
Boston Tea Party
This famed act of American colonial defiance served as a protest against taxation. Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty boarded three ships in the Boston harbor and threw 342 chests of tea overboard. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies that met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The idea of this meeting was orginally announced by Benjamin Franklin however, did not get much support until after the Boston Tea Party. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies. There was mixed feelings about what should be done about the continued hostile acts of the British Parliament. Some delegates wanted immediate independence no matter what the cost. Others were still loyal to King George III and even though they did not like the British taxation without representation, they wanted to avoid an all-out war with England. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the American political tradition. It articulates the fundamental ideas that form the American nation: All men are created free and equal and possess the same inherent, natural rights. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion is the name given to a series of protests in 1786 and 1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt. -
Philadelphia Convention
In total, 55 delegates from 12 states were present when the Philadelphia Convention began in May of 1787. Each of the delegates came to Philadelphia with personal perspectives that influenced their actions during the convention. -
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was created by James Madison but presented to the Constitutional Convention by Edmund Randolph. The Virginia Plan was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. The document is important for its role in setting the stage for the convention and, in particular, for creating the idea of representation according to population. -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan was one option as to how the United States would be governed. The plan called for each state to have one vote in Congress instead of the number of votes being based on population.
