1. 1215-Magna Carta (“Great Charter”) *Limited the powers of King John They could not have their property seized by the king or his officials Could not be put on trial based only on official's word Punished only by a jury of their peers Guaranteed important rights to noblemen and freeman

2. 1619-House of Burgesses The colonist wanted more local control Virginia's new governor, Sir George Yeardley, called for the selection of two burgesses, or representatives, from each of the colony's eleven settlements to meet at Jamestown The first representative assembly in the American colonies.

3. 1620-The Mayflower Compact The Pilgrims landed outside the limits of the their charter 41 colonists aboard the Mayflower drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact Reason: For better order, the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith Provided a social contract for SELF- GOVERNMENT

4. 1639-The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Male citizens of three townships in Connecticut assembled to draw up the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut It contains a preamble and a set of laws First written constitution in America

5. 1676-Bacon’s Rebellion Bacon demands Governor Berkeley to approve a war against Native Americans Governor Berkeley's refusal sparked Bacon's Rebellion Bacon marched into Jamestown, took control of the House of Burgesses, and burned Jamestown to the ground The House of Burgesses passed laws to prevent a royal governor from assuming such power

6. 1688-England’s Glorious Revolution The reign of James II threatened the colonies' traditions of self-government. King James wanted to rule England and its colonies with total authority A revolution in England took King James out of power The English Parliament overthrew King James

7. 1688-The Zenger Trial In 1735, John Peter Zenger was publisher of New- York Weekly Journal He was arrested for printing criticism about New York's governor Andrew Hamilton defended Zenger claiming that people had the right to speak the truth The jury agreed and Zenger was released The colonists take a move towards freedom of the press

8. 1735-English Bill of Rights An agreement to respect the rights of English citizens and of Parliament The rights of English people were strengthened The American colonist were quick to claim these rights