usconstitution.net

The U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.

Online since 1995.

  • Family Background Richard Henry Lee's upbringing was deeply influenced by his prominent family in the colony of Virginia. The Lees of Stratford had established themselves as a significant political force, holding vast tracts of land and enjoying considerable economic power.…

  • Early Life and Family Background Rufus King was born in 1755 in Scarborough, Massachusetts, which is now Maine. His upbringing was steeped in colonial New England's mercantile and military culture, a factor shaping his views on governance and individual rights.…

  • 1. The Living Document The Constitution has evolved significantly due to Supreme Court decisions and legal interpretations. These alterations extend beyond the familiar 27 amendments, showcasing how legal minds have shaped its application through reinterpretation in response to changing societal…

  • Early Life in Fauquier County John Marshall was born on September 24, 1755, in a log cabin on the Virginia frontier. As the oldest of 15 children, he faced the challenges of frontier life, including: Despite these hurdles, John's father,…

  • Early Life and Education Benjamin Franklin was born in colonial Boston on January 17, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a candlemaker and soap boiler. Despite the family's modest means, Benjamin had a thirst for knowledge from a young age.…

  • Early Life and Family Background Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, at the Shadwell plantation in Virginia. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a planter and surveyor who had amassed around 5,000 acres of land by the time of…

  • Family Background and Early Influences Samuel Adams was born into a world brimming with rigorous ethical standards and political fervor, drawn from both his Puritan heritage and his family's influential presence in Boston's governance. His father, Samuel Adams Sr., a…

  • Early Life and Family Dynamics George Washington was born into the moderately prosperous Washington family in 1732 in Virginia. His father, Augustine Washington, was a prominent figure who owned several farms and contributed significantly to the social and economic standing…

  • Early Life and Education Elbridge Gerry was born on July 17, 1744, in Marblehead, Massachusetts, into a wealthy merchant family. His father, Thomas Gerry, was a successful merchant-shipper and former sea captain. Gerry attended Harvard College, graduating in 1762. Harvard's…

  • Early Life and Family Background James Madison was born in Orange County, Virginia, into a family that owned a large plantation and over a hundred slaves. His father, James Madison Sr., faced the moral and economic challenges of slavery, while…