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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a break-up letter from the colonies to England. There were 5 people that "contributed" to the letter, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, & Robert Livingston. The majority of the work was done by Thomas Jefferson. -
"E Pluribus Unum"
"E Pluribus Unum is Latin for "out of many, one." This appears on the Great Seal of the United States. This referenced to the 13 colonies united as one. -
John Trumbull Sr.
John Trumbull Sr. served as governor in both an English colony and an American state. He was the only man to ever do this. He was the 16th governor of Connecticut. -
U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constituion established America's national government and laws. This guarantees the rights of citizens. This also divides power between the government and the states. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments on the US Constitution. The author was James Madison. The Bill of Rights guarantees the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. -
Fifth Amendment
The fifth amendment is a part of the US constitution. This amendment protects you from being forced to be a witness against yourself in a criminal case. This right cannot be stripped from you. -
John Hancock
John Hancock was a Former President of the Continental Congress. He was also an American merchant and Patriot of the American Revolution. John Hancock was the 3rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was an American-Scotish minister. He was also a founding father of the United States. Witherspoon was politically active and a signee of the Declaration of Independence. -
John Peter Muhlenberg
John Peter Muhlenberg was an American clergyman, Army solider during the American Revolutionary War and political figure. -
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Rush signed the Declaration of Independence, a civic leader, doctor, politician, promoted human welfare, and an educator. He also founded Dickinson College -
John Jay
John Jay served many roles in US history. He was the second governor of New York and the first Chief Justice of the United States. He was also a founding father and a signee of the Treaty of Paris of 1783. -
Charles Carroll
Charles Carroll was also known as Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was a a wealthy Maryland planter. He was also one of the founding fathers of the United States. -
Alex de Tocqueville and his Five Principles
Alex de Tocqueville was a French diplomat, political scientist and historian. He was best known for his works in American Democracy and his five principles.
Liberty - freedom from arbitrary
Egalitarianism - society of equals
Individualism - people are free to pursue their goals
Populism - participation in political life
Laissez-Faire - the government has "hands off" approach to the economy -
Eminent Domain
Eminent Domain is a government industry. This gives states or the government to take private property for public use. This is allowable with payment of compensation. -
"In God We Trust"
"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the U.S. This may sound familiar because this is printed on all US currency This is also the motto of Florida.
