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The Charter of the Virginia Company of London
The First Charter of Virginia; April 10, 1606 There were three charters in total. The English king allowed joint-stock companies to establish settlements in North America. Charters later extended English rights to the colonists. -
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Document Timeline; Links and Images
US Constitution ImageCharter of the VA Company of London imageVa Declaration of Rights imageDeclaration of Independence signatures imageArticles of Confederation imageVA Statute of Religious Freedom imageAre you a Constitutional Scholar?<a href='http://vastudies.pwnet.org/vs3/vs3_c.htm' >Slide show of the VA SOL Standard -
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
THE VIRGINIA DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, JUNE 12, 1776
This document was drafted by George Mason. It discussed inherent rights of man (to be free, enjoy life, and pursue what you want if it makes you happy). The document also mentioned the role, relationship, and function of the governed and the government. The Virginia Declaration of Rights was a direct influence on the Bill of Rights. -
The Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence, A Video Narration and Reading This document was written by Thomas Jefferson. It was voted on by the American colonies. It states a list of wrongs done to the colonies by Britain. It declared independence and justified its freedom from Britain. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of ConfederationAn Audio Reading of the Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was the first form of government in the United States. This document gave power to the states. It loosely formed a confederation or a league of sovereign states with a very weak central government. -
The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom
The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom This document was also drafted by Thomas Jefferson. It stated an individual was allowed the freedom to practice any form of religion he or she wanted. Following no religion was also acceptable. -
The Constituion of the United States and the Bill of Rights
The Constitution of the United StatesThe Bill of Rights
The Articles of Confederation failed leading to the creation of the Constitution of United States. It created a stronger central government that would be monitored through a series of checks and balances. The Bill of Rights protected the people's rights from the goverment.
