Documents/Events that led to the US constitution

Front

A document from 1215 that limited the king's power and gave people rights like a fair trial.

Back

What was the Magna Carta?

Front

A 1620 agreement by the Pilgrims to make fair laws and govern themselves.

Back

What is the Mayflower Compact?

Front

It said the king must follow the law and couldn’t tax without Parliament’s OK (1628).

Back

What did the Petition of Right say?

Front

A 1689 law that gave people rights and limited the power of the king and queen.

Back

What is the English Bill of Rights?

Front

Colonists made their own local laws and got used to ruling themselves.

Back

What was colonial self-government?

Front

A 1776 document that said the colonies were free from Britain.

Back

What is the Declaration of Independence?

Front

Unfair taxes, no say in laws, and the king ignored their complaints.

Back

Why were colonists angry at Britain?

Front

A war (1775–1783) where the colonies fought Britain and won their independence.

Back

What was the American Revolution?

Front

America's first government (1781–1789); it was too weak and couldn’t tax.

Back

What were the Articles of Confederation?

Front

A farmer protest in 1786 that showed the Articles of Confederation were too weak.

Back

What was Shays' Rebellion?