covers major documents in the USVA government curriculum


English and Virginia Documents in History

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The Petition of Right was signed by Charles I.  It established rule of law and that the king was not above the law.  It forbade the king from housing troops among the people and guaranteed jury trials.

The Virginia Declaration of Rights was written by George Mason.  It was later used as a model for the US Bill of Rights.  Today it is incorporated into the Virginia State Constitution.

<strong>English and Virginia Documents in History</strong>

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The English Bill of Rights was signed by William and Mary.  It was part of the Glorious Revolution.  It was the first time a monarch had willingly accepted checks and limits on its authority by Parliament.  It guaranteed rights to both the people and Parliament such as free elections and petition.

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson.  It was the first document to address religious freedom from the government.  It was the basis for the 1st amendment's freedom of religion clauses.

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CHARTERS OF THE VIRGINIA COMPANY OF LONDON

The Charters of the Virginia Company of London gave colonists the same rights as Englishmen.   That meant they were entitled to be treated the same as if they were in England.  They were given land and representation and allowed to make their own councils.

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The Magna Carta was signed by King John of England.  The barons forced him to sign it. It forced the king to give up some of his power.  It said he had to give due process to citizens and could not take their property.<br>

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The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson.  It established the natural rights (unalienable rights) of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  It declared that King George had mistreated the colonists and that colonists were withdrawing their consent to be ruled by him.