| A | B |
|---|
| First and Second Continental Congress | 1774-81, delegates from original colonies met to form a model for the US government |
| Declaration of Independence | 1776 - established inalienable rights such as life, liberty and pursuit of happiness |
| Articles of Confederation | 1781 - called "the first Constitution" |
| Shay's Rebellion | an important factor in the development of a strong Constitution |
| Constitutional Convention | 1787 - 55 delegates went to Philadelphia to revise Articles of Confederation |
| Virginia Plan | a plan that stated representation of Congress should be based on population |
| New Jersey Plan | a plan that stated each state would have an equal voice in Congress |
| Great Compromise | divided the House of Represenatives into 2 houses |
| US Constitution | 1789 - final compromise, document that is foundation of formation of US government |
| federalism | allows power to be distributed to federal, state, and local levels |
