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The Road to Women's Suffrage
Between 1848 and 1920, the women’s suffrage movement in the United States campaigned tirelessly for the right to vote, overcoming divisions to spearhead the Nineteenth Amendment.
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The Monroe Doctrine
In 1823, President James Monroe redefined U.S. foreign policy with a three-paragraph addition to his State of the Union address. The Monroe Doctrine ultimately led to a new era of U.S. imperialism.
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The Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address redefined the Civil War, emphasizing democracy and equality, and remains a cornerstone of American ideals.
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15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment secured the voting rights for African American men, marking the culmination of progressive legislative changes during the Reconstruction era.
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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation created the United States' first government. This foundational document paved the way for the development of a more unified and powerful federal system, under the U.S. Constitution.
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What Does the Government Do?
The United States has a democratic government which is voted for by the people. Its job is to protect citizens and communities, and follow the rules that are laid out in the Constitution.
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Leadership
Leadership is a civic virtue that makes our communities stronger. Learn what it means to be a leader and how bringing people together can make the world a better place.
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Justice
Justice is a founding principle of the United States. Learn what justice is and why it’s important to treat everyone with fairness.
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Checks & Balances
In 1787, the framers of the Constitution met in Philadelphia to create a new form of government. The checks and balances that they wrote into law have distributed power evenly, between three branches of government, ever since.
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The Early Legislative Branch
Established in 1787, the U.S. Congress created its constitutional foundation and developed legislative processes to enact laws that reflect America's evolving needs.
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Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine's visionary writings, advocating freedom and democracy, were instrumental in shaping the United States' fight for independence. Explore his remarkable journey, from campaigning for higher pay as a tax collector in England,...
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Perseverance
Perseverance is the ability to keep going, and not quit, even when it’s tough. From pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman to the everyday heroes in our communities, perseverance drives our world forward.
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Honesty
Honesty is a civic virtue that helps make communities fairer and safer for everyone. In this video, learn about how you can show honesty in your community.
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Constitutional Foundations: Part Two
The U.S. Constitution transformed Enlightenment ideas about government, power, and rights into the laws that shaped the foundation of the United States for generations.
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Causes of the War of 1812
The War of 1812 pitted the fledgling United States against Great Britain in a second war of independence. But what factors influenced Congress’ contentious decision to declare war in the first place?
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The XYZ Affair
The controversial XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1700s, leading to naval confrontations at sea and a crisis of democracy in the United States.
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Boston Massacre
Tensions between colonists and Great Britain exploded with the Boston Massacre of 1770. The deaths of five men, alongside John Adams’ landmark defense of the British soldiers, helped sow the seeds of rebellion across the colonies.
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John Adams
Explore the life and legacy of John Adams, second President of the United States, and learn how he journeyed from the courtrooms of Boston to the highest office in the land.
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Independence Day
The Fourth of July marks the transformation of the 13 colonies into a free and independent United States.
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Constitution Day
On September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day. A federal holiday, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, a guiding document that continues to evolve and uphold the rights and freedoms of all U.S....
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Secession and Confederacy
In 1860, tensions over slavery pushed the United States to the brink of collapse, leading to secession of 11 states and the creation of the Confederacy.
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Expansion and Settlement of the United States
Today, the United States is home to more than 330 million people. In this video, learn about how the population has expanded and changed over time.
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Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty, escalating tensions that led to the Civil War.
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Who Was James Madison?
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution”. In this video for US students grades 3-5, we learn about Madison’s remarkable life, career and legacy.