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Colonial Era
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The Bill of Rights: First Amendment - Religion
The First Amendment is arguably the most important one in the Constitution, as it encompasses six essential rights. It covers everything from religious matters to what we can say to how we can pursue grievances against the government.
The Bill of Rights: Debate
Soon after the proposed Constitution was circulated to the state legislatures for approval, it came under criticism for several supposed faults, but primarily for its lack of a bill of rights. The group opposing the new Constitution became known as “Anti-Federalists” and were led by George Mason of Virginia and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts.
The Bill of Rights: Background
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, better known as the Bill of Rights, are what allow us to enjoy many of the day to day blessings of our great country. Freedoms easily taken for granted are enshrined in these revisions to the original document. While the Constitution shaped our government; the Bill of Rights shaped our lives.
Our National Anthem
The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, is a beautiful song. It was written as a poem entitled “The Defence of Fort M’Henry” by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, the day after a terrible bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor by British forces in the War of 1812.
Our History of Divided Government
America has had two dominant political parties for most of its history. From Federalists versus Democratic-Republicans at our founding to Whigs and Democrats in the mid-1800’s to today’s Republicans and Democrats, two political parties have almost always vied for power in this country.