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Benjamin Franklin
one of the leading figures of early American history as a A statesman, author/publisher, scientist, inventor and diplomat. He went on to start a successful printing business and was deeply active in public affairs in Philadelphia, helping to launch a lending library, hospital and college. During the American Revolution, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of independence in 1776. He was a delegate to the convention that produced the U.S. Constitution. -
John (Knox) Witherspoon
Witherspoon was a great Presbyterian minister in Great Britain and also later after moving to the American colonies, became the president of Princeton University, a tutor to James Madison and other founders, and the only cleric to sign the Declaration of Independence. He became a vocal advocate for colonial independence and served New Jersey in the Continental Congress. -
Jonathan Trumbull
In 1736, Trumbull was elected to Connecticut's House of Representatives. By 1740, he became the Speaker of the House. He was elected governor in 1769. He was the only one of the 13 colonial governors to support the Revolution. During the Revolutionary War, he worked to endure Connecticut could provide supplies (food, clothing, livestock) to the Continental Army and Connecticut Militia. In October 1783, he announced before the Connecticut General Assembly that he would not run for office again. -
E Pluribus Unum
E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one" which is a phrase that's on the Great Seal of the United States, being one of the nation's motto at the time of the seal's creation. this Latin phrase initially meant that out of many states (or colonies) emerges a single nation. However, in recent years it's meaning has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation. -
John Hancock
Was a Representative from Massachusetts and President of the Continental Congress in 1775. He was one of our country's founding father who played a vital role in the founding to our nation. In 1776 he was the first to sign the Declaration or Independence in a brutally large, distinctive signature. By signing it in a large font, it meant risking possible execution by the King of England, whom would be receiving the Declaration. By doing so, we can assume that he was ready to die for his freedom. -
Declaration of Independence
Explained the reasons why the colonists sought independence from Great Britain, such as giving and protecting citizens' unalienable rights. -
Benjamin Rush
In 1766, Rush left America to study at the most renowned medical school in Europe. After receiving his medical degree in 1768, he served as vice president of American Philosophical society. The Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania voted to send a less conservative delegation, to represent Pennsylvania in Congress. He took his seat in the Second Continental Congress on July 22, and signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2. He was the only signer holding a medical degree. -
Charles Carroll
One of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence. Signing himself "First Citizen," he publicly debated on freedom of conscience and the rights of the elected assembly versus the powers of appointed government. He was elected President of the Senate in 1783 and would continuously serve in the Maryland Senate until 1800. Was elected a Maryland representative and joined other delegates at the 2nd Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776 -
John Jay
He served as Ambassador to Spain and France during/after the American Revolution. He helped to shape the foreign policy and secured favorable terms with the British. He was the President of the Continental Congress from 1778-79 and 1789-95. He was also the 1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court- established that the Court doesn't take positions on legislation as it is being considered. -
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg
American clergyman, who distinguished himself as a general in the American revolution. He was elected to the Supreme Executive Council in 1784 and served as vice president for Philadelphia from 1785- 1788. He was elected to the First Congress and was elected to the Senate in 1801. -
James Madison
"Father of the Constitution" since his work was essential to the writing of the Constitution. He was a federalist (Supported a strong central government). He wrote the 1st 12 Amendments- 10 were ratified as the Bill of Rights. He was also the 4th President of the United States. -
U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution established America's national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. The Preamble explains the purposes of the Constitution and defines the powers of the new government as originating from the people of the United States. It was signed on September 17, 1787 by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, -
Alexander Hamilton
Was a New York delegate to the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. He was a federalist (he liked a strong central government). He was the 1st Secretary of Treasury and established the Mint and the National Bank. He died during a duel (what a way to go) -
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States ranks alongside the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence as one of the nation's most treasured documents. -
Alex de Tocqueville
A French writer/thinker that came to America to observe U.S. government and politics. He stated that there are 5 values that are crucial to American's success as a constitutional republic ( a country that has rules and listens to the people): Liberty, Egalitarianism, Individualism, Populism, and Laissez-fair. -
Tocqueville's 1st Principle- Liberty
Individuals are free to pursue their own work; Protection against a tyrannical government system that limits it's citizens rights. -
Tocqueville's 3rd Principle- Individualism
Possible because the society does not dictate individual action. People in America flourish freely without hereditary distinction.; involves the social need for mobility and achievement. This ideal is often applied to matters of personal choice and responsibility. Advocates of individualist values in American society often claim the collectivism of egalitanism is dangerous to individual goals. Hard work and labor are key to becoming successful. -
Tocqueville's 5th Principle- Laissez-faire
Government's role in the economy and business is limited or "hands off"; involves belief that governments should not impede individual achievements/goals. Less government interaction and more hard work = success. -
Tocqueville's 4th Principle- Populism
Participation of the common people in politics and decision making (for example, having the right to vote); Involves allowing all individuals to have and voice their opinion. -
Tocqueville's 2nd Principle- Egalitarianism (equality)
A society of equals- made possible by the availability of land and everyone's ability to own it; Involves equality of opportunity and respect, not as a result or condition of a social hierarchy. This ideals often applied to matters of social justice. Advocates of egalitarian values in American society ofter claim unrestricted individualism is a source or social injustice. There are no social class distinction -
"In God We Trust"
"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States. It was adopted as the nation's motto in 1956 as an alternative or replacement to the unofficial motto of E pluribus unum, which was adopted when the Great Seal of the United States was created and adopted in 1782. It was approved by President Dwight Eisenhower on July 30, 1956 that IN GOD WE TRUST must appear on the currency. -
Eminent Domain
Eminent domain in the United States refers to the power of the state or the federal government to take private property for public use while requiring only compensation (money awarded to someone as a compensation for loss, injury, or suffering) to be given to the original owner.