IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE USA

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE issued on 4^th of July 1776 written by Thomas Jefferson the colonies were now “free and independent states” - it officially named them the United States of America John Hancock - one of the first who sign the Declaration it contain: preamble - introduction list of points why do they decide to be independent it declared that: all men had a natural right to “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” governments can only justly claim the right to rule if they have the agreement of those they governs - “the consent of the governed”

THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION ratified in 1781 was an agreement among all states to cooperate with each others was a confederation (=union) of states the first initial version of American constitution The Continental Congress: was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution under the Articles of Confederation the central government was very week (e.g. Congress could vote to spend money but it had no power to collect taxes to raise the money)

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES was ratified in 1788 Constitutional Convention - a meeting of delegates of each states (except Rhode Island), which began in 1787 - George Washington was chosen to lead their discussions the delegates disagreed about the changes that were needed: The Federalist Party: were rich landowners and politician supported strong government Democratic Republican Party: prefer each states to be stronger didn't want any kings wanted lower taxes for merchants original purpose was to revise the Articles of Confederation finally they afresh and worked out a completely new system of government which they set in a document called the Constitution of the United States - it created a federal system of government in which the power was shared the Constitution made sure that there was a “balance of power” between these three branches of the federal government Delaware was the first state which ratified the Constitution of the US Constitution made the federal government much stronger than before - it gave it power: to collect taxes to organize armed forces to make treaties with foreign countries to control trade of all kinds Constitution gave the power to vote for white man above 21

Legislative Branch - makes the Country's Laws CONGRESS (consist of two parts) The Senate (two representatives from each states) The House of Representatives (number of representatives depend upon population in each states) Executive Branch - administers the Country THE PRESIDENT is elected by the people is the head of the federal government is responsible for ruling country's everyday affairs The Judicial Branch - explains and interprets the Laws and the Constitution THE SUPREME COURT - is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate 1789 - George Washington was elected as the first President of the United States.

THE BILL OF RIGHTS

• issued in 1791

• ten amendments (additions) to the Constitution - it guaranteed:

• individual right and freedom of American citizens

• the freedom of religion, speech and free press

• the right to carry arms

• the right to a fair trial by jury

• protection against “cruel and unusual punishment”

1801 - John Adams was elected as the President of United States.

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