Magna Carta
Written in 1215 by King John of England and his Nobles, this document limited the power of the monarch, or king and protected the nobles' rights which included equal treatment of the law and trial by one's peers. It also formed limited government and rule
Charter of the VA Company in London
Written in 1606 by King James I and the English Settlers in Jamestown, this document guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to colonists and it formed the House of Burgesses. It also marked the beginning of self government in America and established the firs
Mayflower Compact
Written in 1620, Plymouth, Massachusetts, by the Pilgrims, this document stated that the majority would rule and formed a contract among the people. It also drew up a written plan of government and stated that all men could vote which meant that all men h
VA Declaration of Rights
Written in 1777 Virginia, by George Mason, this document listed individual rights of the people; it provided freedom of religion, power of the people, and the due process. It served as a model for the Bill of Rights in the Constitution and included consen
Declaration of Independence
Written and signed on July 4, 1776, in the Colonies (Philadelphia specifically), by Thomas Jefferson and others, this document declared the colonies' independence from Britain and stated grievances, or complaints, against the king of Great Britain. It als
VA Statue for Religious Freedom
Written and signed in 1779 Virginia, by Thomas Jefferson alone, this document provided freedom and religious beliefs and opinions to the people. It also guaranteed that the people would be free to choose a religion and established the separation of church
Articles of Confederation
Written by the 2nd Continental Congress in the U.S.A during 1777, this document established the first form of national government for the United States. It also stated that the major powers stayed with the states and established weak central government (n
U.S. Constitution
Written by the Founding Fathers in Philadelphia (Phillie), Pennsylvania during 1787, this document established our current plan of government and the three branches of government and the separation of powers, checks, and balances. It also outlines our sys
U.S. Bill of Rights
Written by the Founding Fathers in the U.S. during 1791, this document guaranteed and guarantees all citizens' rights which are R.A.P.P.S. (Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech), Due Process, and States' Rights. protects our rights a