Founders and the Constitution

What was Charles Carroll of Carrollton's role as a leader during the revolution? How did he champion religious tolerance?

What role did John Adams play in the American Revolution? How did go on to help shape the new nation as president, and what were his reasons for and objections to the Alien and Sedition Acts?

How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to his community and country? Evaluate the Albany plan, analyze Franklin's efforts to oppose slavery, and much more.

What was Elbridge Gerry's role as a leader in the American opposition to British tyranny? Why did he oppose the Constitution? And why does his legacy include the tactic of gerrymandering?

Why is Patrick Henry called the "The Orator of Liberty" and why did he oppose the Constitution?

What efforts did Thomas Jefferson make to protect individual rights and human liberty during the Founding? And what contradictions exist between his words and his actions?

What were Richard Henry Lee's views on the slave trade? What was his role as a leader of the American opposition to British tyranny, and why did he oppose the Constitution?

Why is James Madison called, "The Father of the Constitution"? What were his views on the Bill of Rights? What was his remedy for the problem of factions in a democratic republic?

What were George Mason's views on rights? Why did he object to the Constitution? And why did he remain devoted to personal liberty and states' rights?

What role did Robert Morris play as a leader of the American opposition to British tyranny? How did he help stabilize the finances of the United States and support of the Constitution?

How did Charles Pinckney contribute to the Founding? What were his views on the Articles of Confederation and what was his role at the Constitutional Convention?

What contributions did Roger Sherman make to public service during the early republic? Examine his views on the proper division of power between state and national government, and his view on the role of government.

How did John Witherspoon influence religious freedom in America? Examine his legacy in of Article VI, Section 3 of the Constitution, the concept of a "religious test" for public office.

What was Samuel Adams' role as a leader in the American opposition to British tyranny? How did he hope for a new American government, and what methods of persuasion did he use in the Revolutionary cause?

Why did John Dickinson not sign the Declaration of Independence? What were his opinions on government and the of the the Townshend Acts?

Why did Alexander Hamilton support a single and powerful executive leader? What was his role at the Constitutional Convention and in the new United States government?

How did John Hancock work to support the Revolutionary cause? What was important about his partnership with Samuel Adams in resisting British tyranny?

What was the significance of John Jay's Treaty? How did he seek to abolish slavery on a state and national level? And what were his political roles during and after the Revolutionary period?

What was Gouverneur Morris's role in the Newburgh Conspiracy? How did he contribute to the Constitutional Convention and and what were his view on the purposes of government?

What were James Otis' views on slavery? How did he think about inalienable or natural rights and how did he contribute to the Revolutionary period?

What contributions did Thomas Paine make to the Revolutionary cause? Examine his arguments in Common Sense, The Rights of Man, The Age of Reason.

How did Benjamin Rush contribute to social reform in his community and country? What were his goals for education, and what role did he play during and after the Revolutionary period?

Why is George Washington known as "Father of His Country"? What were his reasons for not seeking a third term as president? And what purpose did he have in his Farewell Address?

How did James Wilson contribute to the system of presidential elections? What were his views on the concept of popular sovereignty, and his views on punishment?