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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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The Second Great Awakening
Between the 1790s and the 1830s, the United States experienced a Second Great Awakening, as religious revivalists campaigned to improve the moral and spiritual character of the country.
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The Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement first emerged in the United States in the early 1800s. It played a pivotal role in the prohibition of alcohol across the country.
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Shays' Rebellion
In the summer of 1786, the first major armed uprising in the newly formed United States began. Shays' Rebellion was a conflict over debt and taxes that would shake the foundations of the U.S. government.
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James Madison's Legacy
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” – but he was so much more than that. As author of the Virginia Plan and the Bill of Rights, his political genius proved vital in the founding of our nation.
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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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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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Extablishing the Three Branches of Government
In 1787, the founders agreed to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new system of government. The Constitution divided power between the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary, each with its own roles and responsibilities.
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The Early Judicial Branch
The U.S. Constitution established the Judicial Branch of government, outlining its foundational structure, and over time, its role and responsibilities have evolved through legal precedents and Acts of Congress.
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The Albany Plan
Learn about Benjamin Franklin's revolutionary proposal for colonial unity, the Albany Plan of Union, and its lasting influence on the creation of the United States.
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The End of the Revolutionary War
What did the United States look like after the Revolution? Discover how economic, governmental and social challenges in the post-war period led to lasting reforms that fulfilled the promise of independence.
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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.
Wonderscape
The Role and Powers of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explains the powers of the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on its role in judicial review and interpreting the Constitution. Learn how the Court checks the powers of other government branches and the limits placed on the Court's...
Wonderscape
The Early History of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explores the creation and development of the U.S. Supreme Court, from its establishment in 1787 to the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the number of justices at nine. Learn about the court's early challenges, its evolving...
Wonderscape
The Twenty-Second Amendment: Limiting Presidential Terms
This video explores the Twenty-Second Amendment, ratified in 1951, which limits U.S. Presidents to two terms in office. Learn about how Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency during the Great Depression and World War II led to this...
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Understanding the Twenty-First Amendment and the End of Prohibition
This video explains the Twenty-First Amendment, which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment and ended Prohibition in 1933. Discover how this amendment allowed states to set their own alcohol regulations and why Congress used state...
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The 15th Amendment: A Milestone in American Voting Rights
Explore the pivotal role of the 15th Amendment in shaping the democratic landscape of the United States. Enacted as the third of the Reconstruction Amendments post-Civil War, this amendment aimed to safeguard the voting rights of all...
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Understanding the 11th Amendment: A Key Change in U.S. Constitution
Discover the significance of the 11th Amendment, ratified in 1795, which addresses sovereign immunity and limits the ability to sue states in federal court. Originating from the case of Chisholm v. Georgia, this amendment highlights the...
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The 14th Amendment: Citizenship, Equal Rights, and Civil Liberties
Discover the impact of the 14th Amendment, a key Reconstruction Amendment that played a crucial role in reshaping the American legal landscape post-Civil War. This amendment redefined citizenship, guaranteeing equal protection and due...
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The 13th Amendment: Ending Slavery in the U.S.
Explore the profound impact of the 13th Amendment on American society and its key role in shaping the nation's history. The 13th Amendment, pivotal among the Reconstruction Amendments, marks the abolition of slavery in the United States....
Wonderscape
Understanding the 12th Amendment and the Electoral College
Delve into the history and mechanics of the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, focusing on its pivotal role in shaping the presidential election process through the establishment of the Electoral College. Explore how the amendment...
Curated Video
Federal and State Powers
The U.S. Constitution divides power between the federal government and states, granting specific national powers and reserving others to states via the 10th Amendment, with federal laws generally overriding state laws.
Curated Video
Emancipation Proclamation
Issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln almost three years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation played a crucial role in ending slavery across the United States and defining the principles that still govern the country today.
Curated Video
Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, established a strong federal government, outlining legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and remains the nation's supreme governing document.