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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The magna carta makes it so that the king couldn't be put above the law. This type of power balance was also put in the constitution, this is now known as Article 2 Section II. -
Mayflower Compact
The mayflower compact was signed on the Mayflower ship by all 41 male members. This covenant was the base for the government they had. -
Fundamental Order of Connecticut
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut composes of 11 orders of law. It imposed taxes and distributed land. Most of this document related to the powers and limits of the government. This was considered a model of the first constitution, first for states, and later the nation. -
English Bill of Rights
There was 3 important things to get from the English Bill of Rights. (1) Monarchs do not have a divine right to rule. (2) Monarchs must have consent to be able to suspend laws, levy taxes, or maintain an army. In addition, (3) Monarchs could not tamper with elections or votes. This is similar to the 14th amendment in the US Constitution. -
French and Indian War
This war was between France and Britain. It caused taxation to pay for the cost of defense. In the 3rd amendment it says that soldiers may not be housed in your home. -
Albany Plan of Union
This was a plan to put the British under a more centralized government and have a grand council. Along with the council there will be a general president that is British chosen. This document, like the constitution, gives the legislature power to heavily tax people. -
First Continental Congress
This was consisted of delegates, with each state getting one person representing them regardless of size. This is similar to the 17th amendment which made the senate. -
Second Continental Congress
Gave the government the ability to declare war and issue and print money. This is similar to Article 1 Section 8. -
Declaration of Independence
This article brings in the idea of inalienable rights (Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). It is similar to the preamble of the constitution. -
Articles of Confederation
Named the confederation the "United States of America" and made congress, which was based on population. This is similar to Amendment 14. -
Shay’s Rebellion
Massachusetts Riot that was over high taxes, this caused a need for a stronger government, an ease on economic restrictions, and forced courts to close. This is similar to amendment 10 where they lay out what the fedral government can do. -
the Virginia Plan
Known as the Large state plan, it was based on population and wealth. This plan brought up the three branches of government and was written by James Madison. This is similar to first three amendments of the constitution. -
the Three-fifths compromise
This was a compromise between the north and south where slaves would be counted as 3/5ths of a person. It also permits the recapture of slaves. The 13th amendment says that you can not have slaves. -
the New Jersey Plan
Known as the small state plan, it consists of one body with equal representation. This was created to help avoid tyranny. The New Jersey plan was similar to the senate and article 17.
