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The Intolerable Acts
The British passed these acts in response to the Boston Tea Party. They wanted some one to pay for the 342 chests of British tea that was wasted and nobody came forth so they passed the acts instead. Boston Harbor was closed to trade until the owners of the tea were compensated. Only food and firewood were permitted into the port. Town meetings were banned, and the authority of the royal governor was increased. -
Virginia Declaration Of Rights
It was written to proclaim the inherent rights of men, including the right to reform or abolish "inadequate" government. "...made by the representatives of the good people of Virginia, assembled in full and free Convention, which rights do pertain to them, and their posterity, as the basis and foundation of government." -
Common Sense
The document challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The common speech that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first document to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. -
The Declaration of Independance
The Document officially broke all political ties between the American colonies and Great Britain, set forth the ideas and principles behind a just and fair government. -
The Articles of Confederation
Was considered the original constitution however was not as well planned out as it was thought to be. It was an agreement between the thirteen colonies and served as the first constitution. -
Shays Rebellion
A group of protestors, led by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays, began a 6 month rebellion by taking over the Court of Common Pleas in Northampton; the goal was to prevent the trial and imprisonment of debt-ridden citizens. It is seen as one of the major factors that led to the writing of the new Constitution.
