Some events leading up to the American Revolution

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Some events leading up to the American Revolution

• Sugar Act (1764)
• Stamp Act (1765)
• Townshend Acts (1767)
• Boston Massacre (1770)
• Boston Tea Party (1773)
• Intolerable Acts (1774)

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The model of the English Bill of Rights (1689)

• Ends the reign of James II by referring to him as
  the late King James the Second
• Thirteen grievances
• Thirteen rights and liberties
• Declaration that William and Mary are the new
  king and queen

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The English Constitution

• There isnt one
• English law is a set of laws, customs, and
  traditions, hence customary law, as opposed to
  statutory law (as in France, after Napoleon)

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Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
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Common Sense (1776)

• Government is a necessary evil
•  
• Man surrenders up part of his property to furnish
  means for the protection of the rest
• Monarchy
• Monarchy is against God (note Paines use of
  scriptural authority to make his point)
• Paine claims to use facts, plain arguments,
  common sense
• Recommendations for a Congress (note social
  contract language)

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Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
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Declaration of Independence (1776)
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Declaration of Independence (1776), structure

• Postulates (a priori) We hold these truths to
  be self-evident . . .
• Grievances (27)
• Declaration (our statement here makes it true)

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Note gun rights

• English Bill of Rights By raising and keeping a
  standing army within this kingdom in time of
  peace without consent of Parliament . . .
• American Declaration of Independence He has
  kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies
  without the Consent of our legislatures

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Second Amendment