1. Origins of American Government
We created Democracy! Kinda/Sorta…

2. Landmark English Documents
The Magna Carta (1215)
English nobles require King John to respect their rights to jury trials, due process of law, life, liberty, property
The Petition of Right (1628)
Challenges idea of Divine Right Kingship
Asserts that even monarchs must obey the law
The English Bill of Rights (1688)
Further limits monarchy’s power and enhances parliament’s
Protects individuals against cruel and unusual punishment
Landmark English Documents

4. 13 English-American Colonies (1607-1775)
Some colonies were more authoritarian than others; all were ultimately under the governance of Parliament and King
13 English-American Colonies ( )

5. The Coming of Independence
GROWING COLONIAL UNITY
Colonies increasingly work together to combat Native Americans, French, improve trade
INCREASING SEPARATION FROM BRITAIN
Generations of physical distance lead to a sense of independence
Extreme frustration over taxation in the aftermath of French & Indian War (1754-’63)
The Coming of Independence

6. Boston Massacre (1770) & Boston Tea Party (1773)

7. First and Second Continental Congresses (1774-5)
Delegates from the colonies meet in Philadelphia
Initially vote to refuse all trade with Britain
2nd Congress votes to form a military and serves as de facto US government from
First and Second Continental Congresses (1774-5)

8. Independence Hall and Second Continental Congress

9. Declaration of Independence (1776)
Thomas Jefferson ( ) is the primary author
13 colonies announce themselves as sovereign, independent states who intend to work collaboratively to secure their freedom from Britain
Declaration of Independence (1776)

10. Articles of Confederation (1781-1787)
The 13 American States’ first attempt at national government:
(6 min)
“Today I Found Out”
(5 min)
“Crash Course”
(7 min)
“Alternate History Hub”
Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution chart
Articles of Confederation ( )