THE DOCUMENTS THAT STARTED IT ALL

Magna Carta

A document signed by King John of England in 1215 establishing that the King was subject to the same laws as citizens.

Mayflower Compact

A document written by male passengers of the Mayflower setting up how their settlement would govern itself.

Declaration of Independence

A document outlining England's abuses of power and declaring the American colony's independence from the British Empire.

Revolutionary War

The war fought by American colonists for independence from Britain, 1775-1783.

Continental Congress

An organization of representatives from the 13 American colonies that issued the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

U.S Constitution

The founding document of the U.S. Government.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments or additions to the U.S. Constitution, which protect individual rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against illegal search & seizure.