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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta was the first document forced onto a King of England by a group of his subjects. It was a attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. -
Petition of Rights
A major English constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing. -
English Bill of Rights
Along with the Act of Settlement 1701, the Bill of Rights is still in effect. It lays down limits on the powers of the crown. -
Albany Plan of Union
A proposal to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies. Suggested by Benjiman Franklin. -
Boston Massacre
British Army soldiers killed five civilian men and injured six others. Two more people died later of wounds sustained in the incident. -
Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbor. After officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain -
First Continental Congress
A convention of delegates from twelve colonies. It was called in response to the passage of the Coercive Acts. -
Second Continental Congress
A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that started meeting. Many of the same 56 delegates who attended the first meeting were in attendance at the second. -
Declration of Independence
A statement adopted by the Continental Congress. 13 Colonies regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. -
Articles of Confederation
Served as the first constitution. Agreement of 13 states to become Unites States of America, -
Shay's Rebellion
Took place in central and western Massachusetts. The rebellion was named after Daniel Shays. -
Virginia Plan
The plan was drafted by James Madison. The Virginia Plan was notable for its role in setting the overall agenda for debate in the convention. -
New Jersey Plan
Was a proposal for the structure of the United States Government. The plan was created in response to the Virginia Plan -
Constitutional Convention
The delegates elected George Washington to preside over the Convention. The result of the Convention was the creation of the United States Constitution.
