History

History that lead to the US democracy, freedom of religion and separation of church and state.

	circa 500 BCE		Greek democracy, limited participation by public


			Roman Republic, representative government, still limited rights to participate








	1215		Magna Carta- Britain, limits the power of the Monarch and protects the rights of subjects and communities.
	1295		Parliament in Britain
	1302		Legislative body in France



	1619		House of Burgesses (US), early colonial congress
	1690		John Locke (GB) English political philosopher theorizes about the middle class and its right to freedom of conscience and right to property
	mid 1700's		French Enlightenment, separation of powers- checks and balances, freedom of expression
	1776		Declaration of independence (US), declared separation of the 13 colonies from Britain.
	1776		*"E Pluribus Unum"* (US), Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson submit their design to congress with the motto meaning "One from many" .
	1781		Articles of Confederacy (US), first US constitution
	1787		Constitution of the United States
	1789		Bill of Rights, defines civil rights of the people including freedom of expression, religion and of the press


	1864		"In God We Trust" approved by Congress for use on coins.
	1892		'Pledge of Allegiance' adopted by congress

	1954		"Under God" is added to the Pledge of Allegiance
	1956		"In God We Trust", congress declares national motto

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