In 1983, Native American activist Janine Windy Boy sued the government to protect the voting rights of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne people in Montana. Read the intriguing story of this effort to fight voter suppression.
Category Archives: Building a Democracy
“Yankee Doodle” – Traditional: History of an American folk song
British soldiers sang “Yankee Doodle” to mock the Americans, who eventually turned the song into a source of pride and anthem of their own.
Welcome to the Museum of the American Revolution’s Virtual Tour
Check out this extensive virtual tour of the Museum of the American Revolution! Move through different rooms and click on artifacts to learn about an important part of American history.
Five Myths About the U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service was established by the Constitution to provide links vital to democracy. Find out the facts that dispel some prevalent myths.
Hamilton Cast Reflect on Backlash and Criticism of Musical
With the recent release of the Hamilton movie, renewed backlash and criticisms have warranted a response from the cast.
American Descendents
View one photographer’s powerful photo series where he recreates portraits of famous Americans with their descendants.
Abigail Adams, Founding Mother
In this review of Woody Holton’s book Abigail Adams, we learn more about the First Lady who often reminded her husband to “remember the ladies.” Although the changes of her time had yet to extend to women, Abigail Adams was standing up for her own and other women’s rights.
Dirty Little Secret
Did you know that many American slaves fought for England during the Revolutionary War? They were promised their freedom if they did, and many took the offer. Read this article to learn more about slaves’ participation in the Revolutionary War.
The Founding Fathers Weren’t Concerned with Inequality
Learn why our founding documents say next to nothing about the democratic principle of economic security.
Where would we be without George Washington?
George Washington retired shortly after the American Revolution and re-emerged on the political scene several years later. In this essay, historian Edward Larson emphasizes the significance of these actions and makes a connection to modern global revolutions.
Why are U.S. Supreme Court justices appointed for life?
Should Supreme Court justices be subject to term limits or do their lifetime appointments ensure they are free from outside influences? Read the editorial to learn more about Supreme Court justices.
The Poisoning of King George III
For years, there has been speculation that King George III suffered from some sort of mental illness. In this article, learn about the poisoning that may have caused his symptoms.
James Madison
James Madison played many important roles in the founding of the nation. Explore this site to learn more about his contributions.
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry in the United States, and the third woman to do so, regardless of race. Learn more about the life of this native of Senegal who was captured and enslaved at the age of eight.
Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father … and Fireman
Firefighting may not exist as we know it without Benjamin Franklin. Watch the video to learn how we have some of our most famous founding fathers to thank for our fire safety standards.
21 Things You May Not Know About the U.S. Constitution
Read this list to learn facts and quirks about our nation’s most famous document and the people who wrote it.
‘The Biggest Fireworks Show’ Means More Air Pollution This Fourth Of July
Fireworks displays can be an awe-inspiring symbol of the United States’ independence. However, these chemical explosions could potentially release hazardous particles into the air. Read the article to learn more.
Global Impact of the American Revolution
The American Revolution has served as a model of how colonized citizens can gain their independence. Watch this short video to learn more about the influence the American Revolution has had on the rest of the world.
The Presidential Election of 1800
Learn why this election, which is sometimes called the “Revolution of 1800,” was a milestone in the history of American politics.
13 Fascinating Facts About Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams’s letter writing is well-known, but did you know she loved dogs and hated Alexander Hamilton? Read the article to learn more about the celebrated First Lady.