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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
A document signed by King Joohn of England in 1215. it limited the powers of the king and gave more rights to his citizens. He was forced to sign or die by his feudal barons. -
Petition of Right
English contitutional document that set up the "god-given" rights of the people. -
English Bill of Rights
This sets the guidlines for England as far as the rights of the people. -
Albany Plan of Union
Proposal suggested by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the sovereign. -
Boston Massacre
This was a small battle in the streets between colonists and British soldiers. Several colonists were even killed. -
Boston Tea Party
This was a protest performed in the harbors of Boston, Massachusetts on December 16, 1773. Memberss of the Sons of Liberty all began throwing massive emounts of British tea into thw harbor in protest of high tax on tea. -
First Continental Congress
A convention of delegates from twelve colonies that met on September 5, 1774 in Philadelphia. There were 56 members that attended. -
Second Continental Congress
It was a convention of delegates from the 13 colonies. -
Decleration of Independence
A document signed on July 4, 1776 that declared the thirteen colonies were independent from Great Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
This served as the first constitution of the U.S. It was an agreement between the original 13 colonies to become a confederation. -
Shays Rebellion
Armed rebellion named after one of their leaders, Daniel Shay. It occured in Massachusetts. Reasons for the rebellion include economic depression, agressive tax and debt collections, and disagreement over the states fiscal policy. -
Philadelphia Convention
Meetings that took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787. It was mainly to address problems in governing the U.S. -
Virginia Plan
A proposal created by James Madison on May 29, 1787 that was a proposal by Virginia delegates wanting a bicameral legislative branch. -
New Jersey Plan
A proposal by William Paterson on June 15, 1787 that was in regards to the structure of the U.S. government.
