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Abuses by England’s King John cause a revolt by nobles, who compel him to recognize rights for both noblemen and ordinary Englishmen. This document, known as the Magna Carta, establishes the principle that no one, including the king or a lawmaker, is above the law, and establishes a framework for future documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
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The new Charter of Rhode Island grants religious freedom.
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Eighteen Baptists are jailed in Massachusetts for refusing to pay taxes that support the Congregational church.
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Eighteen Baptists are jailed in Massachusetts for refusing to pay taxes that support the Congregational church.
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The Continental Congress adopts the final draft of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
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Thomas Jefferson completes his first draft of a Virginia state bill for religious freedom, which states: “No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever.” The bill later becomes the famous Virginia Ordinance for Religious Freedom.
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During Tennessee’s constitutional convention, Andrew Jackson opposes, and plays a prominent role in defeating, a proposal requiring a profession of faith by all officeholders.
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Congress passes the Sedition Act, which forbids spoken or printed criticism of the U.S. government, the Constitution or the flag.
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Congress repeals the Sedition Acts.
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California repeals its Red Flag Law, ruled unconstitutional in Stromberg.
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Georgia, Massachusetts and Connecticut finally ratify the Bill of Rights.
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In National Broadcasting Co. v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court states that no one has a First Amendment right to a radio license or to monopolize a radio frequency.