Some events leading up to the American Revolution

1. 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)

2. 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

3. The “English Constitution” • There isn’t one • English law is a set of laws, customs, and traditions, hence “customary” law, as opposed to statutory law (as in France, after Napoleon)

4. Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

5. 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 Paine’s 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)

6. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

7. Declaration of Independence (1776)

8. 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)

9. 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

10. Second Amendment