This 18-minute video lesson gives a basic overview of U.S. history from Jamestown to the Civil War. [History playlist: Lesson 1 of 26]

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[Free Registration/Login Required] Stanford University's Jack Rakove speaks of the influence Founding Father James Madison had on the development of the U.S. Constitution. [2:21]

The original text of the resolution of Congress submitting the newly drafted constitution to the states for ratification.

Lesson focuses on the debate over slavery at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides a lesson, focusing on the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, that relates to the power granted to the President and the Senate to make and approve treaties with foreign nations (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, of the U.S. Constitution). Primary source documents include that actual signed treaty, Lincoln's spot resolutions, and a photograph of the border marker being rebuilt.

A workshop, appropriate for elementary, middle school, and high school students, through which participants examine a variety of primary documents and their relationship to the U.S. Constitution. This resource provides workshop materials, detailed instructions, documents in multiple formats, suggested vocabulary, and worksheets. A great lesson plan with little required preparation.

This site provides the full text of the Constitution of the United States of America.

See the original copy of the United States Constitution! This interactive page lets you point to the part you would like to see. Along with background information, you can also link to larger images, a typed transcript, and downloadable. PDF files. Parts of this site require an updated flash player.

A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our government as well as the electoral process and the role of political parties.

Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.