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Creating America
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Leading America
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Benjamin Franklin, A Man Committed to Improving His Country
Benjamin Franklin made his money in the printing business, but his true calling was as a man devoted to understanding and improving all aspects of life. Franklin’s interests and innovations stretched from the areas of civics to morals to science to home improvements.
Young Ben Franklin, the Printer, and His Rise to Prominence
Ben Franklin was one of the most gifted and intriguing men in American history. His incredible rise from humble beginnings to one of the most famous men in the world is an inspirational story.
Betsy Ross, American Patriot and Creator of An Iconic Flag
One of the most beautiful flags from our nation’s founding era is the famous “Betsy Ross” flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars in a field of blue. Called by many the first national flag of the United States, it was created by Betsy Ross in the city of Philadelphia in 1776.
Flags of the American Revolution: Many Designs, One Goal
To understand the muddle over our flag at our nation’s founding, it is important remember that in 1776, the allegiance and attachment of most people was to their own locale, not to the yet to be created United States of America.
Who Created the First Flag? Discover the History of the Stars and Stripes
Our nation’s flag, the emblem of our country, was officially created and later modified by three laws passed by Congress. Since then, it has been changed 27 times, the most recent of which was on July 4, 1960 when Hawaii’s star, the fiftieth, was added to the constellation.
A Bald Eagle, Olive Branches and Arrows - How the Great Seal Was Created
The Great Seal of the United States is the official seal of our country. It was approved in 1782 and is used on many of our official documents, most commonly on the back of our one-dollar bill.
The Bill of Rights: The Tenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment is one of the true foundational amendments of our Constitution. It reserves for the states all rights not granted to the national government by the Constitution, guaranteeing a federalist type of administration.
Beyond the Bill of Rights: Protections Extended by the Ninth Amendment
The Ninth Amendment is one of the two backbone amendments of our Constitution, the Tenth being the other one. It is the amendment that reserves for the people all rights not expressly granted to the government, whether those rights are enumerated or not.
Avoiding the Stocks: How the Eighth Amendment Guarantees Humane Treatment, and Other Protections for the Criminally Accused
The Eighth Amendment helps make our criminal justice system more just for those accused or convicted of criminal behavior. It is comprised of three rights, each of which plays a part in protecting Americans from a harsh and overly ambitious government.
Can the Court Serve as Judge and Jury? Not According to the Seventh Amendment
The Seventh Amendment formally established the rules governing civil trials, as opposed to criminal cases. Its main purpose was to distinguish between the responsibilities of the courts which decided the meaning of laws and those of juries which decided matters of facts as presented in a case.
Have You Been Called to Jury Duty? See the Sixth Amendment in Action
The Sixth Amendment to our Constitution effectively established the procedures governing criminal courts. At its core, the Amendment ensures that those accused of crimes will get a fair trial and have every opportunity to clear their name.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty: How the Fifth Amendment Protects You
The Fifth Amendment contains some of the most critical protections in the Constitution for those accused of crimes, safeguards that help keep a tyrannical government at bay. In total, it declares five separate but related rights to all citizens.