8 dates which shaped America Flashcards
1776
The Declaration of Independence
Mainly drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it was adopted by Congress on July 4th 1776 (now a public holiday). Main points:
- the preamble declares that men have natural rights (“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”) and that people are entitled to replace a government which does not protect these rights.
- it condemns the tyranny imposed by the British government and the king over the colonies.
- following Locke’s ideas, the declaration concludes that the people are justified in overturning a government which does not respect the will of the majority of the people.
1787-8
The Constitution
It was drafted by the delegates to the Continental Congress (among whom were Washington, Franklin, Hamilton and Madison) and guaranteed the rights of the citizens against the abuses of government, and established a system of balance between the three branches of government. Its main principles are:
- Separation of powers
- Representation of the people by direct suffrage in a republic
- Federalism (creating a balance between the powers and rights of the federal government and those of the states).
- The defence of individual rights.
It is enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
1791
The Bill of Rights
10 amendments added to the Constitution to defend the citizens against the excessive power of a centralized government.
1st Amendment: guarantees freedom of speech, religion and press. Contains the Establishment Clause, separating Church and State.
2nd Amendment: right to keep and bear arms.
10th Amendment: all powers not given to the dederal government in the Constitution reside with the States.
1865
The Thirteenth Amendment
Made slavery illegal. Southern States were required to approve of the amendment in order to re-enter the Union.
1920
The Nineteenth Amendment
Gave the right to vote to every citizen, including women.
1954
Brown VS Board of Education of Topeka
A Supreme Court decision which reversed the 1896 “separate but equal” principle and paved the way for desegregation.
1964
The Civil Rights Act
It defended the rights of black people, guaranteeing the right to vote, the right to Equal Employment Opportunity and protected them against discrimination in housing.
1973
Roe VS Wade
A Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion.
The Declaration of Independence
Mainly drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it was adopted by Congress on July 4th 1776 (now a public holiday). Main points:
- the preamble declares that men have natural rights (“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”) and that people are entitled to replace a government which does not protect these rights.
- it condemns the tyranny imposed by the British government and the king over the colonies.
- following Locke’s ideas, the declaration concludes that the people are justified in overturning a government which does not respect the will of the majority of the people.
1776
The Constitution
It was drafted by the delegates to the Continental Congress (among whom were Washington, Franklin, Hamilton and Madison) and guaranteed the rights of the citizens against the abuses of government, and established a system of balance between the three branches of government. Its main principles are:
- Separation of powers
- Representation of the people by direct suffrage in a republic
- Federalism (creating a balance between the powers and rights of the federal government and those of the states).
- The defence of individual rights.
It is enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
1787-8
The Bill of Rights
10 amendments added to the Constitution to defend the citizens against the excessive power of a centralized government.
1st Amendment: guarantees freedom of speech, religion and press. Contains the Establishment Clause, separating Church and State.
2nd Amendment: right to keep and bear arms.
10th Amendment: all powers not given to the dederal government in the Constitution reside with the States.
1791
The Thirteenth Amendment
Made slavery illegal. Southern States were required to approve of the amendment in order to re-enter the Union.
1865
The Nineteenth Amendment
Gave the right to vote to every citizen, including women.
1920
Brown VS Board of Education of Topeka
A Supreme Court decision which reversed the 1896 “separate but equal” principle and paved the way for desegregation.
1954
The Civil Rights Act
It defended the rights of black people, guaranteeing the right to vote, the right to Equal Employment Opportunity and protected them against discrimination in housing.
1964
