1. 5 Primary Documents Impacting the Formation of the U.S. Constitution
Civics and Economics 8: fahy
What is a “primary document”?
1. A primary document is an original source of information.
2. Primary documents are from the time period involved.
3. They have not been changed by any interpretation or evaluation.
4. Primary sources are original and best materials on which other research is based. 5.They present original thinking.
6. A “primary document” is also called a “primary source.”

2. CHARTER OF THE VIRGINIA COMPANY OF LONDON 1609
These charters (contracts) promised Englishmen moving to the Virginia colony the same rights they enjoyed living as English subjects in England.
Established English governmental principles to America and to its Constitution.

3. VIRGINIA DECLARATION OF RIGHTS June 12, 1776
In this document, the colony of Virginia formally recognized the inherent natural rights of men, including the right to rebel against "inadequate" government.
Served as a model for our Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

4. DECLARATION OF INDEPEN-DENCE JULY 4, 1776
1. Listed grievances against their English king.
2, Declare the colonies independent from England because of these grievances.
3. Confirmed that all men have “inalienable rights” (rights that no government should take away) such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
4. Established that idea that all Americans are equal under the law.
The philosophy of “inalienable rights” is an important part of the U.S. Constitution.

5. ARTICLES OF CONFEDER-ATION 1777
Created the first form of national government states in America.
Created a weak federal government.
Gave major powers to the state governments.
Its weaknesses led to the necessity of creating the present U.S. Constitution.

6. VIRGINIA STATUTE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM 1786
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Guaranteed religious freedom for all Virginians
Also separated church and state
Religious freedom was included in Amendment I of our Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

7. CONSTITU-TION and its BILL OF RIGHTS
Uses ideas and philosophies from the following documents which preceded it:
1.Charters of the Virginia Company of London
2. The Virginia Declaration of Rights
3. Declaration of Independence
4. Articles of Confederation
5. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

8. BILL OF RIGHTS

9. U.S. CONSTITUTION and its BILL OF RIGHTS
1. Established the structure of the government of the United States
2. Guaranteed equality for all under its laws
3. Affirmed the individual worth and dignity of all people
4. Protected fundamental freedoms of religion, press, assembly, and petition