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Benjamin Frankin
Franklin advocated the opening of a school for the education of black slaves in Philadelphia.But prior to that he posted paid ads for the sale of slaves and allowed the sale of slaves in his store. he made money from the international and domestic slave trade. After returning from England in 1762, Franklin became more anti-slavery. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is the statement which announced that the thirteen American colonies wanted to be independent states, and no longer under British rule. -
John Witherspoon
a signatory to the Declaration of Independence -
John Hancock
He is remembered for his large signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. The term "John Hancock" has become a synonym for a signature. -
Charles Carroll
He was the longest-lived and last surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence, dying 56 years after the document was first signed. -
John Jay
John Jay served as the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He drafted the state’s first constitution in 1777 and the following year was chosen president of the Continental Congress. -
"E Pluribus Unum"
"Out of many, one", the phrase on the Seal of the United States. Never codified by law, E Pluribus Unum was considered a de facto motto of the United States until 1956 when "In God We Trust" became the official motto. -
Eminent Domain
When it was time to draft the United States Constitution, the Fifth Amendment included a compromise that wanted to protect property rights somewhat by requiring "public use" and having compensation. -
United States Constitution
The Constitution delineates the national frame of government. -
Benjamin Rush
He was a leader in Pennsylvania's ratification of the Constitution in 1788. -
John Peter Muhlenberg
He was elected to the 1st Congress as one of the representatives from Pennsylvania. His brother Frederick was the Speaker of the House. -
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution -
Alexander Hamilton
The Jay Treaty, designed by Hamilton established friendly economic relations with Britain to the chagrin of France and the supporters of the French Revolution. He played a role in the Federalist party. -
James Madison
James Madison was a founding father of the United States and the fourth American president, serving in office from 1809 to 1817. -
John Trumbull
Trumbull was an American artist notable for his paintings. His Declaration of Independence was used on the back of the two-dollar bill. -
Alex de Tocqueville
He was best known for his works Democracy in America and The Old Regime and the Revolution (1856). In both he talked about improved living standards and social conditions of individuals, as well as their relationship to the market and state in Western societies. -
"In God We Trust"
"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States. It was adopted as the nation's motto in 1956 to replace E pluribus unum.
