Important U.S. Dates

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!

1620Mayflower Compact

Pilgrims sailed from England on the Mayflower to Massachusetts.

Before getting off boat they came up with an agreement for their government.

Problems Start1754-1763

• French and Indian Warfighting 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

“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

Boston Massacre

• 1770

• Tempers flaring

• 5 died

Boston Tea Party

• 1773

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

1781Articles 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

1787Constitution

• 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

Executive Branch

• Carries out laws• Can approve or veto laws

National level:– President– Vice President– President’s Cabinet

Legislative Branch

National and State• Makes laws

– Senate

– House of Representatives

Local• Makes laws

– City Council/City Commission

Judicial Branch

• Interprets laws

– Supreme Court– Chief Justice John

Roberts– Decides whether

laws are constitutional

Checks and Balances

Each branch has power over the other branches so no branch gets too powerful

1791 The Bill of Rights

• First 10 amendments to the Constitution

• Protect the rights – liberties of people

First Amendment

• Freedom of speech, religion, and press

Second Amendment

• Citizens have the right to own and carry weapons

Third Amendment

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

Fourth Amendment

• Government cannot search people without good reason.

Fifth Amendment

• Citizens accused of crimes have certain rights

• You can’t be tortured to admit to crimes

• Can’t be jailed proper trial                             

Sixth Amendment

• People have the right to a fair trial by jury