Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. What are the first […]
Jefferson wanted Bill of Rights for new Constitution Jefferson recognized that a stronger federal government would make the country more secure economically and militarily, but he feared that a strong central government might become too powerful, restricting citizens’ rights. What did Jefferson disagree with in the Constitution? Jefferson’s main criticism […]
Jefferson has been a great democratic icon precisely because he so eloquently articulated fundamental tensions in Americans’ understanding of the people’s power. The United States had “the strongest Government on earth,” Jefferson told his fellow Americans in his first Inaugural Address on March 4, 1801. What was Thomas Jefferson’s personal […]
The United States Constitution was written to protect citizens and also the states. It ensures rights, prevents the federal government from infringing on these rights, and creates laws. The fundamental rights and civil liberties for individuals are set out in the constitution. What are two reasons why the Constitution was […]
Thomas Jefferson, a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States (1801–1809). What was Jefferson’s main presidential legacy? Jefferson’s most significant accomplishment as president was the Louisiana Purchase. In 1803, he acquired land […]
Although he only wanted to be remembered for these three things, Jefferson can also be remembered as a diplomat, architect, farmer, musician, scientist, attorney, and inventor. Jefferson’s greatest legacy to the United States is that he will be remembered as the defender of democracy and advocate for the common people. […]
Thomas Jefferson, as we all know, was the 3rd president of the United States. In order to commemorate his time in office as acting president, the Thomas Jefferson gold dollar coin was issued. This dollar coin was minted and issued in the year 2007 and currently has a face value […]
Despite his commitment to individual liberties, Madison opposed making inclusion of a bill of rights a precondition for ratification of the Constitution. He also doubted that mere “paper barriers” against violating basic rights were sufficient protection. Why did Madison oppose the Bill of Rights? Madison opposed a bill of rights […]
The ancient Greeks pioneered free speech as a democratic principle. The ancient Greek word “parrhesia” means “free speech,” or “to speak candidly.” The term first appeared in Greek literature around the end of the fifth century B.C. Who came up with freedom of speech in America? Commenting a year later […]
James Madison, who was the fourth president of the United States, was a devoted patriot, co-author of the Federalist Papers, and came to be known as the Father of the Constitution. He was born March 16, 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia, the oldest of five children in his family. Was […]
Answer and Explanation: No, Thomas Jefferson did not invent electricity. However, another founding father, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), did conduct experiments that involved electricity. What did Thomas Jefferson discover? Jefferson also helped invent modern agricultural science and technology. He believed agriculture was the most important science. By himself, he re-engineered the […]
Many of Madison’s ideas, including his support of a strong central government, went into the new U.S. Constitution. In 1789 Madison was elected to the new House of Representatives. There he helped pass the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. How did James Madison contribute to […]
Madison is best remembered for his critical role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he presented the Virginia Plan to the assembled delegates in Philadelphia and oversaw the difficult process of negotiation and compromise that led to the drafting of the final Constitution. Why was James Madison important to […]
He felt the government should be set up with a system of checks and balances so no branch had greater power over the other. Madison also suggested that governors and judges have enhanced roles in government in order to help manage the state legislatures. What did James Madison argued for? […]
In this role, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase from the French in 1803. During his presidency, Madison led the U.S. into the controversial War of 1812 (1812-15) against Great Britain. After two terms in the White House, Madison retired to his Virginia plantation, Montpelier, with his wife Dolley (1768-1849). What […]