| A | B |
|---|
| Virginia House of Burgesses | 1619 - the first representative legislature in the English colonies. |
| The Mayflower Compact | 1620 - the passengers of the Mayflower drew up a written contract by which they would govern themselves. |
| The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut | 1639 - This document stated that people had the right to elect governors, judges, and a legislature. |
| The Declaration of Independence | 1776 - "All men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights..." |
| The Federalist Papers | 1787-1788 -- A series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison to explain and support the new Constitution. |
| The Articles of Confederation | Ratified in 1781 - The first constitution of the U.S , later found to be weak...powers given to states limited national government |
| The Constitution of the United States | 1787 - Written by 55 men in Philadelphia - The ultimate framework for our government - the highest law in our land |
| The Magna Carta | 1215 - limited power of the king by guaranteeing certain rights to the nobles - later extended to all citizens |
| The English Bill of Rights | 1689 - The English king and queen agreed to accept the Bill of Rights, establishing the supremacy of Parliament |
