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1215
Establishment of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a document established to protect the common man from officials who may overstep their designated powers. The document emphasizes the law as the supreme governing entity of the land, above any and all officials (even the king and lawmakers). -
Rhode Island Charter
Religious freedom is granted in the state of Rhode Island. -
The Trial of John Peter Zenger
After criticizing the governor of New York, John Peter Zenger is taken to court and tried for libel/slander. This case is famous for raising the issue of freedom of the press and forces officials to determine to what can and cannot be allowed in a newspaper. Based on the pressing issues the Zenger trial raised, it was concluded that the jury has the power to decide whether or not the publication is/isn't slander. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is fully completed and drafted by the Continental Congress. (July 4: Independence Day) -
The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were a collection of essays written by prominent American figures (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay) stressing the significance of the US Constitution's enforcement. They were composed to inform and persuade early Americans to side in favor of the Constitution, the natural framework of America's government. -
Creation of Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance not only addressed rules for territory acquisition but it also stated that "religion, morality, and knowledge" were necessary, and therefore encouraged, for a functioning government, society, and education system within that society. This places religion as the moral compass and important aspect in education which contradicts the First Amendment's freedom to religion. -
Jackson's Defiance at Tennessee Constitutional Convention
Andrew Jackson, a prominent figure in American history, widely exemplifies the freedom of religion aspect of the First Amendment when he opposes the affirmation of Christian faith by all government officials. -
Sedition Act Repealed
President Thomas Jefferson has the Sedition Act repealed and all those found guilty of violating the act are pardoned. -
Congress Passes Sedition Act
The Sedition Act gave limits to the First Amendment. It was passed again because of the high tensions WWI stirred up. Although individuals are granted freedom of speech through the First Amendment, they are not allowed to print denunciations of the government, Constitution, or flag especially during times of war. Despite its later repeal in 1921, this act was important in shaping the First Amendment. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
In this famous trial, John T. Scopes is found guilty of violating the First Amendment after illegally teaching the theory of evolution in a Tennessee public school. The court's final ruling in the case placed religion over education. -
Office of Censorship Created
President Franklin Roosevelt establishes the Office of Censorship to control international communications. -
New York Times vs. United States
The court ruled in favor of the continuation of Pentagon Papers and established that the press is not limited to pre-publication restrictions.
