Alexander Hamilton was among the most intellectually gifted of the Founding Fathers and a brilliant political theorist, but he lacked practical political experience, and his major political contributions occurred only when his specific policies were adopted and carried forward by others with broader vision. This booklet on Hamilton is one in a…

David Brearly was a student of the Enlightenment philosophers and English jurists who taught that a contract existed between the individual and the state, and this exposure influenced him as a framer of the Constitution, with its careful definitions of the obligations of government and the rights of citizens. This booklet on Brearly is one in a…

Presents a bibliographic essay surveying research and literature on the United States Supreme Court. Divides literature on the Court into six categories: (1) constitutional interpretation; (2) general and period histories; (3) biographies; (4) case studies; (5) judicial process; and (6) reference works. Includes a four-page bibliography. (DSK)

As a scholar of international renown, Hugh Williamson came into contact with some of the leading intellectuals of the patriot cause and their political ideas transformed him into an adroit politician and leader. This booklet on Williamson is one in a series on Revolutionary War soldiers who later signed the U.S. Constitution. The booklet reviews…

Although the second youngest person of those who would sign the U.S. Constitution, Charles Pinckney stood out as one of the most active members of the Constitutional Convention, and over 30 of the U.S. Constitution's provisions can be traced to his pen. This booklet on Pinckney is one in a series on Revolutionary War soldiers who later signed the…

Although his father was an illiterate blacksmith, Abraham Baldwin demonstrated how academic achievement opened opportunities in colonial society, and he later became a fervent missionary of public education. This booklet on Baldwin is one in a series on Revolutionary War soldiers who signed the U.S. Constitution. The booklet reviews his education,…

As a wealthy international trader, John Langdon contributed his highly developed business acumen during the Revolutionary War to the problem of supplying the Continental Navy. This booklet on Langdon is one in a series on veterans of the Revolutionary War who were also signers of the U.S. Constitution, and it covers his business affairs and…

Like most colonial American leaders, John Dickinson considered himself an Englishman with all the ancient rights and privileges such citizenship conferred, and when those rights were abridged by the British Parliament and George III, he was among the first to don a uniform to defend the new nation. This booklet on Dickinson is one in a series on…

Richard Bassett's experiences as a politician and soldier during the Revolutionary War broadened his political horizons for the War had demonstrated to him the need for greater regional and national cooperation if the political and economic promises of independence for the United States were to be realized. This booklet on Bassett is one in a…

Possessed of an extraordinary strength of character and a wealth of public virtues, George Washington exhibited integrity, self-discipline, and a devotion to duty that made him the natural leader in the task of nation building. This booklet on Washington is one in a series on Revolutionary War soldiers who later signed the U.S. Constitution. The…

Describes a two-day activity in which elementary students examine voting rights, the right to assemble, and women's suffrage. Explains the game, "Assemble, Reassemble," and a student-produced talk show with five students playing the roles of leaders of the women's suffrage movement. Profiles Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Susan…