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Jun 19, 1215
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta marks first instance of citizens asking the government to respect their liberties. The document was presented to the King of England by several of his subjects. Though the Magna Carta has undergone significant revision since it was first presented to the king of England on this date, it is still in use in England and set the stage for a government FOR the people. -
Feb 1, 1552
Edward Coke
Edward Cke British parliamentarian who helped establish theories of natural law through decisions such as Dr.Bonham's case. He argued that certain rights belong to all people, not just the upper classes or citizens. Though his ideas were unpopular at the time, they inspired the thinking of many governmental theorists thereafter. -
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes published his book "Leviathan" on this date, which introduced the idea of social contract theory. His ideas influenced the ideas of John Lcke, the theory of natural law, and eventually the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. -
John Locke
On this date, John locke published his work "The two Treatises of Government" which introduced the idea of social contract theory. John Locke was inspired by Hobbes and is another philosopher who played a central role in developing the ideas that inspired the Americans to seek independence and establish a constitutional form of government. -
The English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rghts is the main inspiration for the U. S. Bill of Rights and contains many of the same provisions, including trial by jury and prohibition of cruel and unusual punnishment. -
Charles d. Montesquieu
Charles d' Montesquieu's work "The spirit of the Laws" (published on this date) promotes the constitutional form of government, calls for a separation of powers, and the preservation of the rights of citizens. This work influenced the framers of the constitution and was heavily referenced during it's formation. -
Declaration of Independence
The United States declared themselves an independent nation and began working on a written government. This is the first instance of a group of people acting decisively upon the principles of natural law and applying them to their own governance. -
The Articles of Confederation
All thirteen states ratified the Articles of Confederation by this date, making the Articles the first operating constitution of the united States. The first draft was initially completed shortly after the United States declared theri independence and provided a framework by which the Constitutional Congress could govern the nation and make decisions regarding the war with England. -
The Constitutional Convention
By this time, the leaders of the United States were in agreement that the Articles of Confederation were not an adequate government. The articles did not provide for strong central government, leaving the states operating essentially as independent sovereign nation. In an effort to write a better constitution that provided for a more unified government, the Constitutional Convention was convened. -
The United States Constitution
On this date, the new Constitution of the United States officially went into effect. This landmark document corrected the flaws in the Articles of Confederation. It created the first government by the people, for the people, and of the people, finally fulfilling the ideals first presented in the Magna carta and promoted by the philosophers mentioned previously. -
The Thirteenth Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment outlawed slavery in the United States. The same principles of Natural Law which influenced the formation of law and governance in the United States were applied yet again in this context to etend the arm of equality and human rights even further. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
In this landmark case, the supreme court ruled that separating students into different schools based on race was “inherently unequal,” and therefore unconstitutional. This case paved the way for integration, a long and difficult process by which schools eventually began serving all students in the community, regardless of race. -
The Civil Rights Act
This act effectively outlawed forms of discrimination regarding public institutions, including Public Schools. Henceforth, Schools could not make decisions regarding hiring of teachers and acceptance of students based on race, religion, gender, or nationality. -
Lemon vs. Kutzman
This landmark case set the precedent that organizations of a religious nature should not receive monetary support by the government of the United states. Religious schools (catholic schools) could no longer receive government funding. The court’s decision also developed a test for determining if an organization is eligible to receive federal funds. -
Americans With Disabilities Act
Originally, this act was crafted as a general provision to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities. This applied to all federal institutions, including public schools. Schools were therefore required to provide “equal access” to education for persons with disabilities. This act was the predecessor for the inclusion movement in American Schools.
