Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: The Twelve Tables, C. 450 Bce
A version, in English, of the Twelve Tables of law that became the written foundation of all Roman law. The Twelve Tables bore approximately the same relationship to the whole of Roman law that the US Constitution bears to the whole of...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Women's Suffrage at Last
Trace the history of the women's suffrage movement from its organized beginnings in 1848 with the Seneca Falls Convention to the final success with the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which constitutionally granted women the right vote.
A&E Television
History.com: When the Supreme Court Ruled a Vaccine Could Be Mandatory
In 1901 a deadly smallpox epidemic tore through the Northeast, prompting the Boston and Cambridge boards of health to order the vaccination of all residents. But some refused to get the shot, claiming the vaccine order violated their...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The South Carolina Nullification Controversy
The nullification controversy began as an economic dispute between north and south. See how the question about tariffs resulted in a states' rights issue in South Carolina. Read about what President Andrew Jackson was going to do about...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Westward Expansion: The Louisiana Purchase
Read about the fortuitous purchase made that doubled the size of the United States. See why Napoleon was willing to sell the land, and find out about the quandary Thomas Jefferson was in as he had to go against his strict construction...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Alexander Hamilton
One of our original Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton was a controversial figure. This PBS site allows you to watch excerpts from a two-hour long documentary on his life and role in US history. Provides a detailed timeline that gives...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The United States Constitution
Article covers the history and origins of the US Constitution.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Delegates to the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention of May 1787 is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links and some activities are included. The rest of the site has lots more information on the US government.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Edmund Randolph 1753 1813
This site from the University of Groningen profiles Edmund Randolph and chronicles his role as Attorney General of the US. Also includes his role as the presenter of the Virginia Plan to the Constitutional Convention.
Ohio State University
Osu History Teaching Institute: u.s. Constitution: The Bill of Rights
Fifth graders will examine the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: Constitution Amendments
Kids learn about the amendments in the United States Constitution. Seventeen not included in the Bill of Rights of the twenty-seven total.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Preamble to the Constitution
This article contains the history, meaning, and words to the Preamble to the Constitution which encompassed the reasons why the thirteen original colonies separated from Great Britain to become an independent nation.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Republican Party History
Article provides a history of the Republican party and details on the eighteen Presidents who have belonged to the Republican Party through George W. Bush.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Democratic Party History
This article contains a summary of the history of the rise of the Democratic Party, its origins, leaders, presidents, and their beliefs.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: United States Bill of Rights
Kids learn about the Bill of Rights of the United States government. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Free Soil Party
This article contains an overview of the history of the Free Soil Party, its leaders, their beliefs, and eventually joined with the National Union Party to form the newly formed Republican Party in 1854.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 essays that promoted the ratification of the United States Constitution and the nature of a Republican government.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Revolution in Social Law
Being able to own land and having land availble to own brought about great change in the new American nation. Read about how this came about and why it reflected new republican ideals. See what other changes were reflected in new state...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: The Magna Carta
Study the Magna Carta on this website. Learn about this famous document set the course for English Common Law as well as the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Antifederalists
The Anti-federalists, those who opposed the ratification of the Constitution, were a diverse group. They did have specific fears about carrying out the precepts of the Constitution. Read about their fears, especially the main one, no...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Articles of Confederation, 1781
Gives a nice history of the Articles and also a summary of what they were and the problems that developed with their adoption. Includes links to the actual document.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Holidays for Kids: Constitution Day and Week
Kids learn about Constitution Day and Week. The history and facts about this holiday that celebrates the US Constitution.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: The New Nation, 1783 1815
[Free Registration/Login Required] This website documents the United States through its struggles to become a new nation. Site includes primary source documents for the Articles of Confederation, US Constitutional Convention, and George...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Ratifying the Constitution
The delegates to the Constititional Convention produced a new governing document for the new United States. Read about how they determined to take the ratification process to the people of the states.