American Experiment, The: Framers of the Constitution, The
The people invited to participate in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 were not a representative sample of the American population. Some of the 55 delegates were only in attendance for a few days or weeks. In fact, only 12 to 15 speakers represe...
American Experiment, The: Ratification Strategies
In order to avoid the pitfalls that made the Articles of Confederation unworkable, and yet have a chance to gain approval for the newly completed Constitution, the framers devised an ingenious scheme. They said states could approve the Constitution ...
Coming to America: Portrait of Colonial Life: Indentured Servants
The United States has been a magnet for immigrants throughout its history. In the colonial period, many who embarked on the journey found it necessary to indenture themselves just to pay for the passage. As we hear a first-hand account of the diffic...
Struggle for Equality, The: Early Restrictions on Political Involvement
The inclusive language of the U. S. Constitution was not reflected in the way it was initially applied.. Many people who were here at the founding were excluded from the country's political processes: white women, blacks, American Indians, and unpro...
Not Much of a War: American Revolution--Supporters, Critics, and Disbelievers, The
Although rumors of impending conflict with Great Britain have been circulating for months, the actual outbreak of hostilities in 1775 finds the colonies unprepared for the challenges of armed conflict. The loosely formed confederation is less than o...