Unit 1: Bill of Rights

John Trumbull Sr.

Oct 12, 1710

One of the few Americans who served as governor in both a pre-Revolutionary colony and a post-Revolutionary state. He was the only colonial governor at the start of the Revolution to take up the rebel cause.

John Witherspoon

Feb 5, 1723

Clergyman
Representative of New Jersey
Signed Declaration of Independence
President of Princeton University

John Hancock

Jan 12, 1737

Representative from Massachusetts
President of Continental Congress in 1775
1st to sign Declaration of Independence
Known for fancy signature

Charles Caroll

Sep 19, 1737

Catholic
Signed Declaration of Independence
Representative at Continental Congress
One of the 1st senators from Maryland
He was the only Colonial governor that supported the American cause/side in the Revolution.

John Jay

Dec 12, 1745

Representative from New York at the continental congress
Signed Declaration of Independence
Helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783, ended American Revolution
Lawyer
Diplomas to England and negotiated Jay’s treaty-averting more war with Britain.

Benjamin Rush

Dec 24, 1745

Pennsylvania
Treasurer of the US Mint
Physician, Writer, educator, founding father
Signed Declaration of Independence
Attended continental congress (meeting of 13 colonies, became American government)

John Peter Muhlenberg

Oct 1, 1746

Clergyman
Soldier in colonial, Revolutionary and post revolutionary conflicts
One of the 1st official elected US Congressman

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Announced the colonies freedom British rule and set forth the founding principles of the US including: “all men are created equal”
Unalienable rights = life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. Things that cannot be taken away without trial
Government gets its power from the consent of the people.
Officially adopted by the continental congress in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1776
Composed by Thomas Jefferson and edited by all members of the congress
Included parts concerning rights of slaves, but were

"E Pluribus Unum"

Aug 20, 1776

Out of many, one (also the motto of the U.S.)
The seal for the United States of America.

U.S. Constitution

Jun 21, 1788

A document that embodies the fundamental laws and principles by which the United States is governed.

Bill of Rights

Dec 15, 1791

The 10 amenedments, changes to the Constitution.

Fifth Amendment

Dec 15, 1791

This amendment guarantees a trial by jury and “due process of law,” and guards against double jeopardy and self-incrimination.

Alex de Tocqueville and 5 Principles

Jul 25, 1805

French writer/ thinker, observed our government and politics
5 values
Liberty: Individuals are free to pursue their own work Egalitarianism: Equality of opportunity and respect not as a result or condition of social hierarchy; Individualism: Involves social need for mobility and achievement. Hard work and labor=successful Populism: Allows all individuals have the right to have and voice their opinion Laissez-faire: Belief that government should not impede individual achievements/goals.

Eminient Domain

Sep 16, 1876

the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

"In God We Trust"

Jul 30, 1956

United States official motto