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…

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…

Examines some of the geographical elements that influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution, such as sectionalism, the Piedmont, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Focusing on aspects of geography that underlie the thinking, writing, and ratification of the document, the authors explore geography as environment, image-maker, and explicit…

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…

Images of heretics burning at the stake or of traitors being drawn, hanged, and quartered for disloyalty to the king seem well removed from twenty-first century America. Yet the laws that defined these offenses--which included heresy and blasphemy, sedition and treason--were at the heart of some of the most significant debates defining the shape…

The paper takes the position that the study and understanding of the United States Constitution should be a critical part of citizenship education, especially as its Bicentennial approaches. Several factors suggest that the Constitution has become the most durable document of its kind in history, and that its teaching should be centered in both…

The paper traces the life of the 18th century North Carolinian planter Willie Jones and his transformed political stance from traditional commitment to the Crown to a new constitutional faith in republicanism. Jones' political career and struggles are noted through the Revolutionary era and the controversy of centralized versus decentralized…

The historical rhetoric, mythic heroes, and values of the American Revolution have become the justification for many other contemporary "revolutions." Collective movements advocating states' independence, the abolition of slavery, women's rights, civil rights, and so on, have manipulated the concept of heroic equality as it is embodied…

Drawing on the historical record and primary sources, this book portrays how Native American political confederacies of the colonial era operated and how their organization and underlying principles influenced the founding fathers of U.S. political institutions. A complementary theme of this book is the intense debate about Native American…

Traces the development of the judicial branch and arguments of Anti-Federalists and Federalists about the Supreme Court's proper sphere and role. Maintains that the Court possesses force, will, and consistent political support. Contends the public evinces more faith in this branch than the other two. (TRS)

The necessity for candidates for public office to gather money in order to mount effective campaigns has raised concerns that campaign contributions may give some individuals and groups improper influence on the selection of public officials and the making of public policy. Part of this concern stems from the pluralist theory that maintains that…

Prior to and during the Civil War, the North and the South differed greatly in the resources they could use. Documents held by the National Archives can aid in understanding the factors that influenced the eventual outcome of the War Between the States. After Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, the South seceded because they believed…

Traces the history of the Bill of Rights. Delineates the early arguments proposed for and against the Bill of Rights. Discusses the recent Ronald Reagan-Edwin Meese attack on the applicability of the Bill of Rights. Identifies seven items that every student should know about the Bill of Rights. (RW)