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Curated Video
Powers of Government
A video entitled "Powers of Government" that explains how Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes the three branches of government.
Curated Video
Implied Powers
A video entitled "Implied Powers" that discusses the "necessary and proper clause" of the U.S. Constitution.
Curated Video
Articles of Confederation
A video entitled "Articles of Confederation" that discusses why the Articles of Confederation were written and eventually replaced with the U.S. Constitution.
Curated Video
The First Amendment
A video entitled "The First Amendment" that discusses the rights that are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
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Constitutional Convention
From the Albany Congress to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, this timeline explores the critical events that shaped the creation of the United States Constitution.
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Plessy v. Ferguson
In 1892, Homer Plessy's arrest for sitting in a train car reserved for White passengers led to a Supreme Court decision that endorsed racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
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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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The 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, redefined American liberty by ensuring citizenship rights, due process, and equal protection under the law, marking a pivotal shift during Reconstruction.
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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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The Mayflower Compact
In September 1620, a group of colonists left England to make a new life. By the time they reached North America, they had written the Mayflower Compact: a document that would lay the groundwork for democracy in the U.S.
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First Ladies
Can you imagine what it's like to be FLOTUS - the First Lady of the United States? In this video, learn about how the role of First Lady has changed over time.
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Checks and Balances
The U.S. Constitution ensures no part of the government has too much power through a system called checks and balances.
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What are the Branches of Government?
The U.S. government divides power between the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary branches to ensure fairness and prevent any one group from becoming too powerful.
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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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Constitutional Foundations: Part One
In 1787, the Framers met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation but instead crafted a new constitution, drawing on principles from ancient civilizations.
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The Economic Impact of the American Revolution
The American Revolution cost lives, livelihoods and millions of dollars in cold, hard cash. So how did the fledgling United States generate funds, and what impact did the war have on the U.S. economy?
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Constitutional Compromise
In 1787, the United States government began a series of critical compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, but also ensured African American enslavement for generations to come.
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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 History of Federal Banking
Discover the turbulent story behind the creation of the United States national banks, in which all three branches of the federal government combined to safeguard the nation's economic stability.
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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 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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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.