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1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was originally published in 1215 when King John of England agreed to follow its rules. It protected the citizens from heavy taxation and other unfair laws. Under its rules, all future sovereigns had to be fair and just to their peoples.
Article I, Section 8 -
Mayflower Compact
Pilgrims came up with the Mayflower Compact after landing in Massachusetts. They wanted to have a set of laws to follow in the New World. The Mayflower Compact gave Pilgrims freedom from the tyranny they faced in England
Article I, Amendment 1 -
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders was the first constitution in what would become the United States. They gave a set of mutual laws between the first three communities. They spoke of God and the Church, and how they related to government.
Article VI -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights came to be in 1689. It gave a set of rules that took power away from monarchs and gave it to Parliament. It protected civil and constitutional rights of the people of England.
Article V, Amendment 5 -
French and Indian War
This war was fought over who would get have rights over North American land. Great Britain and France fought for nine years over this dispute.
Article IV, Section 3 -
Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union tried to unite the colonies with a federal-like government. It was never followed through completely. However, it was the first idea to bring the colonies together under a central government.
Article I, Section 1 -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress first met in 1774 to govern the original 13 colonies. Delegates were sent from each colony. They formed to unite against British taxes and rule.
Article I, Section 2 -
The Acts
The Acts were a series of many acts passed by Great Britain. They punished the colonies for rebelling and consisted of high taxes and unfair laws.
Article I, Section 9 -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was based upon the First Continental Congress. They met a year following their predecessor. They decided to create the Continental Army.
Article II, Amendment 2 -
Declaration of Independence
A group of five members of the Continental Congress met to draft what would become the Declaration of Independence. It was adopted by Congress on July 4th of 1776. It let Britain know that the colonies were no longer under its rule.
Article VII/Signature -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was ratified on March 1st of 1781. They made clear that states have their own governments, Things brought to Congress must come as a last resort. Congress was also given certain rights through the Articles.
Article IV -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a string of many violent rebellions against courthouses and other government buildings. They began in 1786 and lasted for over a year.
Article I, Section 9 -
Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was created to let the North and the South agree. It decided that three-fifths of a state's slaves would be counted as people to decide population and taxation.
Article I, Section 3 -
The Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was formed in 1787. It ruled that there are three branches of government. The branches are legislative, judicial, and executive.
Article I, II, and III -
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan was created to find a way to elect representatives for a national legislature. Representatives would be elected from each state to represent their people.
Article I, Section 2
