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U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.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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Historical Context of the First Amendment The First Amendment, influenced by the philosophical ideals of the Enlightenment, reflects the passionate debates that shaped the American republic. Figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, inspired by Enlightenment thinkers such as John…
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Presidential Absolute Immunity
What is presidential absolute immunity? Presidential absolute immunity shields a sitting president from civil lawsuits stemming from actions within the “outer perimeter” of official duties. Established in notable cases such as Nixon v. Fitzgerald, the doctrine finds its roots in…
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Top John Adams Quotes
1. Moral Authority and Power John Adams once underscored the gravity of moral authority in governance, stating, Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases. This assertion highlights the essential…
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Top 10 George Washington Quotes
1. Honesty as Policy "I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy." — George Washington This quote captures George Washington's advocacy for truthfulness in all aspects of life. Upholding…
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US Constitution FAQs
What is the US Constitution? The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing a framework for governance and delineating the structure, powers, and limitations of the federal government. It divides power among the legislative, executive, and…
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First Amendment & Religion
Understanding the Establishment Clause The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” which primarily signifies a prohibition against the government establishing a state-backed religion or showing…
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First Amendment Analysis
Understanding the First Amendment The First Amendment articulates foundational freedoms — speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. Each has played a pivotal role in establishing a society that values democracy and civil liberties. The drafting and ratification of the First…
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US Constitution Checks & Balances
Historical Genesis of Checks and Balances The concept of checks and balances can trace its earliest known philosophical roots to Polybius in ancient Rome, who articulated the principle of "anacyclosis" which effectively presaged contemporary ideas of balance in political governance…
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19th Amendment History
Origins of the 19th Amendment The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 marked the beginning of the formal women's suffrage movement in the United States. The convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York, brought together over three hundred people, including Elizabeth…
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Charles Carroll Childhood
Family Background and Early Life Born in 1737, Charles Carroll entered a world marked by religious and economic privilege that was rare in the American colonies. His parents, Charles Carroll Sr. and Elizabeth Brooke, belonged to a distinguished Catholic family…