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Apr 15, 1215
Magna Carta
A peace treaty between King John and his barons. Guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation's laws. -
Petition of Right
- That no freeman should be forced to pay any tax, loan, or benevolence, unless in accordance with an act of parliament;
- That no freeman should be imprisoned contrary to the laws of the land;
- That soldiers and sailors should not be billeted on private persons;
- Commissions to punish soldiers and sailors by martial law should be abolished.
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English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights had a great effect on North American colonies. It helped shape the future Constitution. -
Albany Plan of Union
The purpose of the Albany Plan was the have a general government in America while still under British rule. The British worried that they wouldn't be able to control this government. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occured when American colonists attacked Bristish soldiers. Severel people were killed during the fighting. -
The Boston Tea Party
It was a protest against the duty imposed on tea by the Government of King George III. So the colonist's broke open every chest and dumped each into the harbor. -
First Continental Congress
During the First Continental Congress, British oppresion was discussed. The colonists wanted the same rights as Englishmen. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress needed to answer the question about the British military threat. It was agreed that a Continental Army would be created. -
Declaration of Independence
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, and adopted by the Second Continental Congress. All men are created equal and there are certain unalienable rights that governments should never violate -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was written to prevent a controlling central government. It was designed to give the states as much freedom as possible. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's Rebellion was a group of farmers led by Daniel Shay. The were protesting high land taxes and were threatened to be put in prison. -
The Virginia Plan
The plan traced the broad outlines of what would become the U.S. Constitution. A national government consisting of three branches with checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power -
New Jersey Plan
A plan, unsuccessfully proposed at the Constitutional Convention, providing for a single legislative house with equal representation for each state. (dictionary.com) -
Philadelphia Convention
Philadelphia Convention was also known as the Constitutional Convention. This meeting was to outline the laws of the Constitution.
