Other
Constitution Facts
How much do you really know about the most important document in United States' history? Take the quiz and test your knowledge. If you need some additional information, click on the US Constitution and Amendments tab and play the...
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: Portrait of George Washington
Historical information on famous painting of George Washington by Pearle, with interactive features to click and learn meaning behind items in the portrait and links to an in-depth history of the painting as well as virtual visit to the...
US National Archives
National Archives: Benjamin Franklin: Politician and Diplomat
Benjamin Franklin was the only man to help shape all the major documents that established the United States. Students will review those documents and match the correct document to its description. Upon completion, students will choose...
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based: Reading Like a Historian: Declaration of Independence
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students use primary source documents to investigate central historical questions. In this investigation students weigh contrasting interpretations by prominent historians to answer the question: Why...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Thomas Jefferson Won the Election
The election of 1801 shaped the way we elect our president today, as Congress adopted the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution. Features portraits of Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Religious Rights in Conflict
What happens when rights conflict? Explore sample conflicts: Free press vs. fair trial, religious rights in conflict, and Singapore: model society or city of fear? Great learning activities and lesson plans for teachers and students.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: James Monroe
A fascinating look at the life of President James Monroe, and his impact on history. Provides brief articles, portraits, as well as photos of documents from the archives of The Library of Congress.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Constitutional Convention: Delegates: Biographies
Illustrated biographical sketches of delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, organized by state delegation.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: John Adams
An overall look at the life of America's second president, John Adams (1735-1826 CE). Contains small articles of information, as well as portraits, actual photos of inaugural addresses, obituary notices, and more.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Amazing Americans
Checklist of inventors, politicians, performers, activists, and ordinary people who made America. Meet Harry Houdini, Langston Hughes, Buffalo Bill Cody and dozens of other famous and interesting American adventurers, presidents,...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Alexander Hamilton" by Jessica Mc Birney
Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) was an American political figure and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. In this informational text, Jessica McBirney discusses Hamilton's life and accomplishments, specifically his...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Our New Nation
After studying the American Revolutionary War, students learn about the founding of the United States of America. Pretending to be the founding fathers, students will divide into small groups to create and design their own nation and...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Framing, Ratification and Amendment Quiz
Quiz yourself over the framing, ratification, and amendments to the Constitution.
Digital History
Digital History: Religious Freedom and the Founders
Read the background for the Founding Fathers' support of freedom of religion and separation of church and state. Included are parts of letters in which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson celebrate the fact that the United States was...
Robin Chew
Samuel Adams: American Patriot & Politician
Read a brief overview of the life of Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Links to other resources about Adams are included.
Other
Are We a Democracy or a Republic?
An essay on the present political state in America contending the country is leaning further towards a republican form of government instead of a democracy. Defines and explains the major differences between democracy and republicanism...
Other
Colonial Hall: Biography of Alexander Hamilton
Detailed biographical information on one of our founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. He was a signer of the Constitution, a General, and a co-author of The Federalist Papers.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: What Is a Republican Government?
The founding fathers studied different forms of government throughout history to come up with the best form of government for our new nation. They decided a republic suited our nation the best. Find out the advantages of this type of...
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: The Role of the House
Why did the founding fathers create two separate chambers in Congress - the House of Representatives and Senate? Find out the reasons for the dual chamber and the responsibilities of each one. Included is a glossary and printable puzzles...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Constitutional Convention
Travel back to 1787 and become a delegate to the convention in Philadelphia. As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states' conflicting...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Federal Versus State Government
Learning Adventure teaches about the differences between federal and state governments as written in the Constitution and shares reasons the founding fathers wanted it this way.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Benjamin Franklin Fa Qs
Dozens of frequently asked questions about Ben Franklin with answers that cover all the essential facts about one of America's favorite founding fathers.
iCivics
I Civics: John Locke Mini Lesson
Introduce students to the ideas and writings of John Locke that influenced the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers.
iCivics
I Civics: Montesquieu Mini Lesson
Meet the Baron de Montesquieu, one of the great thinkers of the 18th century. He spent a lot of time thinking about how governments should be created and maintained. These ideas guided the Founding Fathers when they wrote the...