The government of the United States began when the Declaration of Independence was ratified and the colonists achieved independence for the thirteen colonies from England. This action led to the formation of the government for the new nation once the Revolutionary War had been won and the Constitution was approved. Learn about influential heroes from the birth of a new nation and the formation of the government. Students are introduced to how the government works today and how someone, no matter their age, can make a positive difference.
The Birth of a New Nation
"With the knowledge of these bright leaders, the founding of the Americas brought numerous changes to the world itself."
Heroes of the American Revolution
The United States Constitution
The US Constitution was drafted in 1787 at the Philadelphia Convention, which established a system of checks and balances. This divided federal authority between the separate but co-equal Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches of government.
There was a delay in ratifying the Constitution over a disagreement about whether it should include a declaration of individual rights.
The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, supported the ratification of the Constitution and a centralized government. They were against including a bill of rights because it might imply that the rights that were unstated were not protected.
The Anti-Federalists were those who opposed the ratification of the 1787 version of the Constitution. They differed in their ideas of what the government should look like. Famous Anti-Federalist voices were Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Mason. In general, they were in favor of a stronger localized government. Most importantly, they wanted a bill of rights that guaranteed individual rights.
According to the National Archives, "The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers hadn't promised to add a Bill of Rights."
The Bill of Rights was drafted by James Madison. It makes up the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution.
Examples of How the US Government Works and how someone, no matter their age, can be an activist.
Nine-year-old Milo Cress is concerned about the millions of straws that pollute waterways, Milo takes the fight all the way to Capitol Hill.
Youth reporter Slater interviews Bay Area Congresswoman Jackie Speier
Artwork
 |
This resource about the United States Government was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Organizer created on 7/7/2022 2:54:12 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 9/14/2022 2:08:54 PM by Laura Nietzer
