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Period: Sep 2, 1200 to
Origins of US Government
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Sep 2, 1215
Magna Carta
English document that limited king's power. England went from a rule of man to a rule of law. Gave significant power to the nobility. -
English Bill of Rights
Signed my King William and Queen Mary. Stated that monarchs could no longer raise taxes, pass laws, or keep an army without the consent of parliament. Gave parliament right of free speech and everyone protection from cruel and unusual punishment. -
Declaration of Independence
A break-up letter from the English Colonies to Great Britain penned by Thomas Jefferson. It was a death warrant for all who signed for it equalled treason against the crown and lead to the American Revolution. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Written mainly by George Mason. States "all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights". Sound familiar? - these ideas come from the the English philosopher John Locke. -
Articles of Confederation
US's first constitution. Had several weaknesses including allocating very little power to the federal government which ultimately made it ineffective and was replace by the US Constitution. -
Federalist Papers
Essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pen name Publius published in New York papers which defended the constitution. -
New Jersey Plan
Presented by William Patterson of New Jersey- called for a strong central government made up of 3 branches. Unicameral legislature - each state would have one vote and equal representation. -
Virginia Plan
Based on ideas of James Madison - called for a central government divided in 3 branches. Proposed bicameral legislature- members of both houses would be presented by their state's population. -
The US Constitution
Set of rules for the new american government. Signed by by 39 delegates from 12 states at the Constitutional Convention in September of 1787. -
3/5 Compromise
3 out of every 5 slaves would be added to the state's population to determine the number of representatives a state would have in the House. -
Great Compromise
Granted each state an equal voice in the upper house (Senate), regardless of state population. -
Bill of Rights
List of rights and freedoms - such as speech, press, religion, due process, and the right to a fair trial by jury which were ratified in December of 1791 as an addition to the US Constitution. -
US Government Class Quiz
Quiz on Functions and Form of Government
