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Featured Articles

A Fateful Experiment at Jamestown

Author: James Horn

The first votes of the fledgling Virginia Assembly in 1619 marked the inception of the most important political development in American history — the rise of democracy.

Jefferson and the Declaration

Author: Peter Onuf

Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence announced a new epoch in world history, transforming a provincial tax revolt into a great struggle to liberate humanity from the tyrannies of the past.

George Washington Invents the Presidency

Author: Joseph J. Ellis

The young nation was lucky to have the only candidate on earth who could do the job.

Madison and the Invention of Congress

Author: Fergus M. Bordewich

Members of the first Federal Congress had to create a new government almost from scratch.

Heart of the Constitution: The Bill of Rights

Author: Gerard Magliocca

The first ten amendments prevent majorities from exercising power at the expense of individuals. But they weren’t called a “bill of rights” until more than a century after ratification.

Freedom of Religion: America’s Greatest Invention

Author: Steven Waldman

While much of the world still faces restrictions on religion, America's unique approach brought about both religious freedom and spiritual vibrancy.

America’s Constitution Inspired the World

Author: A. E. Dick Howard

A leading expert who helped a dozen nations write their constitutions explains how the Founders' ideas have had a lasting influence at home and abroad,

The American Presidency

Author: Michael Beschloss

The struggles and triumphs of our Presidents have been central to shaping our nation, even though they operated under a Constitution that didn’t grant them unilateral power.

John Marshall Saves the Republic

Author: Harlow Giles Unger

Our greatest Chief Justice defined the Constitution and ensured that the rule of law prevailed at a time of Presidential overreach and bitter political factionalism.

Andrew Jackson Reinvents American Democracy

Author: David S. Reynolds

Jackson had deep flaws, but he left a lasting legacy, strengthening the executive office and striving to represent as many Americans as possible.