1. Important U.S. Dates

2. 1492 In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue (the Atlantic of course) from Spain with three ships, the Nina, Pinta and the Santa Maria. He was looking for a route to India. He didn’t find it!

3. 1620 Mayflower Compact Pilgrims sailed from England on the Mayflower to Massachusetts. Before getting off boat they came up with an agreement for their government.

4. Problems Start 1754-1763 French and Indian War fighting over Ohio Valley (west of Appalachian Mountains) Both French and British claim to own it. British Win- France leaves. Indians and colonist still fighting Proclamation of 1763 –No English to cross Appalachian Mountains

5. “Colonist Must Pay” Quartering Act- 1765 colonist must house British soldiers (pay for their protection) Stamp Act- 1765 printed paper Tea Act- 1773 force colonist to buy British tea

6. Boston Massacre 1770 Tempers flaring 5 died

7. Boston Tea Party 1773

8. 1776 Declaration of Independence Revolutionary War had already started with Britain Thomas Jefferson wrote Explained why colonies had right to be a separate nation Helped get other countries to support

9. 1781 Articles of Confederation During Revolutionary War Americans set up a weak government –It didn’t work –Government could not collect taxes –Government couldn’t enforce laws

10. 1787 Constitution Set up state governments and Strong national government Set up 3 branches of government –Legislative branch- make laws –Executive branch- enforce or carry out laws –Judicial branch- interpret laws

11. Executive Branch Carries out laws Can approve or veto laws National level: –President –Vice President –President’s Cabinet

12. Legislative Branch National and State Makes laws –Senate –House of Representatives Local Makes laws –City Council/City Commission

13. Judicial Branch Interprets laws –Supreme Court –Chief Justice John Roberts –Decides whether laws are constitutional

14. Checks and Balances Each branch has power over the other branches so no branch gets too powerful

15. 1791 The Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to the Constitution Protect the rights – liberties of people

16. First Amendment Freedom of speech, religion, and press

17. Second Amendment Citizens have the right to own and carry weapons

18. Third Amendment Government cannot force people to let soldiers stay in their homes during times of peace.

19. Fourth Amendment Government cannot search people without good reason.

20. Fifth Amendment Citizens accused of crimes have certain rights You can’t be tortured to admit to crimes Can’t be jailed proper trial

21. Sixth Amendment People have the right to a fair trial by jury