The U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.
Online since 1995.
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1. The Constitutional Convention On May 25, 1787, representatives gathered at the Pennsylvania State House, setting the stage for what became the Constitutional Convention. George Washington, unanimously elected to preside, brought significant legitimacy to the gathering. James Madison, with rigorous…
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Hamilton’s Financial Plan
Assumption of State Debts When Alexander Hamilton suggested that the federal government assume state debts from the Revolutionary War, it wasn't just about paying bills. This move aimed to build unity and trust in the newly formed United States. States…
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Northwest Ordinance Legacy
The formation and governance of the Northwest Territory marked a significant chapter in American history. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 laid the groundwork for expansion and governance in the newly acquired lands, structuring the political landscape and setting important precedents…
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Constitutional Protection of Rights
Foundations of Individual Rights in the Constitution The American Constitution contains several key provisions aimed at protecting individual rights. Initially, the founders did not include a Bill of Rights, believing that the structure they created, with a balanced distribution of…
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Top Supreme Court Cases on the Bill of Rights
1. Marbury v. Madison (1803) Marbury v. Madison (1803) significantly shaped American constitutional law. Chief Justice John Marshall presided over the case, which established the Supreme Court's authority to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality through judicial review.…
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Enlightenment’s Impact on U.S. Democracy
Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Core Ideas John Locke, often credited as the father of modern republican government, had a profound impact on the American Founding Fathers. Locke's theory of natural rights argued that every individual is entitled to life, liberty,…
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Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Origins and Key Figures The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, advocated for a strong national government through the Constitution. They believed centralized power would effectively bind the states, fostering unity and stability. Opposing them were…
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Anti-Federalists: Liberty or Obstacle?
Origins and Ideological Foundations The Anti-Federalists emerged from a distinct historical context, preferring localized government and fearing a strong central authority would trample individual liberties. This fear wasn't unfounded, given their experience with British rule. They saw the proposed Constitution…
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Natural Law in American Government
Foundations of Natural Law Natural law is the cornerstone behind the formation of American government. This concept has roots that stretch back to ancient philosophical traditions, having been elaborated upon by key thinkers. Thomas Aquinas, the medieval philosopher and theologian,…
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Federalist Papers and the Constitution
During the late 1780s, the United States faced significant challenges with its initial governing framework, the Articles of Confederation. These issues prompted the creation of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays aimed at advocating for a stronger central government…