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Charles Carroll
The last surviving and only Catholic signer of the Declaration of the Independence. -
John Hancock
President of the second Continental Congress; signer of the declaration. -
John Trumbull, Sr.
Colonial governor who sided with the colonists against the British. -
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John Knox Witherspoon
His 1776, The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men, was published in many editions and he was elected to the Continental Congress as part of the New Jersey delegation, appointed Congressional Chaplain by President Hancock, and voted to adopt the Virginia Resolution for Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. -
U.S Constitution
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. The Constitution, originally comprising seven articles, delineates the national frame of government -
John Jay
Helped write Federalist Papers; first chief Justice of Supreme Court; negotiated a boundary treaty with England. -
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Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties, the Bill of Rights lists specific prohibitions on governmental power. -
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The Fifth Amendment
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights and protects a person from being compelled to be a witness against himself in a criminal case. -
"E Pluribus Unum"
A motto of the United States; Latin for “Out of many, one.” It refers to the Union formed by the separate states. E pluribus unum was adopted as a national motto in 1776 and is now found on the Great Seal of the United States and on United States currency. -
Alex De Tocqueville and his 5 Principles
French political writer noted for his analysis of American institutions (1805-1859), Wrote "Democracy in America" -
Eminent Domain
The right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.