The Founding

The first unit examines the writings that led Americans to revolt from Britain and then establish a new Constitution 11 years later. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is the best example of the revolutionary writing that inspired Americans to risk a war against the strongest country in the world in pursuit of self-government. The next reading is the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, which sets forth a concise set of principles that justified that revolution.

When the first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, failed to establish an effective government, delegates from 12 of the 13 states met at Philadelphia in 1787 to discuss possible amendments. (Rhode Island didn’t bother to send a representative.) Virginia’s plan for an entirely new government spurred the framers to create a new Constitution instead, which is the next reading. Inspiration for many of its specific provisions was found in The Spirit of the Laws by Baron Montesquieu of France, who made many practical suggestions that were incorporated into the Constitution. A sample of his work is included to allow readers to see the source for many of the specific provisions in the Constitution.

The debate over whether the thirteen states should ratify the 1787 Constitution inspired debate throughout the country. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison drafted what are now called the Federalist Papers, and several important essays are included. The opponents of the new Constitution actually called themselves “Federalists,” but because they opposed a constitution that created a federal government they are now known as Anti-Federalists.  Three of their most important writings are also included. The last author in this unit is Thomas Jefferson, author of two letters that represent his views of American government as well as his first Inaugural Address.