[Free Registration/Login Required] After a brief description of Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's contributions to the early ideology and government of the new United States in their authorship of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, this essay discusses the dangers of factionalism that threatened the success of the new country. Jefferson's and Madison's handling of these problems when they were president was instrumental in giving the United States a good chance of enduring.

Detailed information about the structure and activities of the Israeli government, as well as links to the basic laws which make up the Israeli constitution.

Text of James Madison's "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution," June 8, 1789. Madison states his reasons for the amendments in view of the anti-federalist feelings in many of the colonies. The proposal explains in Madison's own words the reasons for the widespread disapproval, especially the idea of a strong system of federalism. Madison does not propose to change the Constitution, but to amend it with the Bill of Rights.

The National Humanities Center provides an essay on the issue, circumstances and explanations for the growing radicalism of the Colonists in the years leading up to the constitution.

In a nutshell, you can find out the problems the new nation had under the Articles of Confederation and the process resulted in a new constitution.

This is a wonderful way to explore the US Constitution. The actual text of the Constitution comes first, then an excellent explanation of the text follows. In addition, most of the Amendments have essays by scholars on opposing sides of judicial interpretations, so students can understand some of the legal conflicts that arise around the Constitution. Students can also perform a keyword search, explore by topic, and search the text by Supreme Court decisions.

This site from The History Place provides a timeline of American history between 1784 and 1790. Mentions many famous people and events of the era. Links to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, James Madison, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, George Washington (and his inaugural address), the Northwest Ordinance, and Federalist Papers as well as to other timelines surrounding this period.

The Nobel Foundation provides this site about Niels Bohr's contributions to the world of physics, specifically his "investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them." This biography includes information on his education and personal life, as well.

The original text of a plan presented by Charles Pinckney to The Second Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

Students explore the structure of the American government, the three branches of government, the history of women's suffrage, and read biographies about famous Americans who fought for change.

This video lesson from Khan Academy discusses The Preamble to the Constitution. This lesson is intended for students taking high school or college level American Government and Civics courses, including the AP Government course.

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the state of Massachusetts in February 1788.

The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New Hampshire in June 1788 with a list of the legislators.

Text of the document recommending ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the Pennsylvania legislature.

The text of the document signed by the legislature of South Carolina ratifying the U. S. Constitution.

The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of Virginia.

Read about the need for a Bill of Rights to be added to the Constitution. Find out what each of the first ten amendments means.

Use this library of mini-lessons to teach students about the concept of federalism, from the powers held by the federal government to the powers reserved for the states. They will also learn about state government structures and functions, the state-level lawmaking process, and discover county, municipal, and tribal governments.

Lesson in which students learn about the origins of the Constitution and Bill of Rights through informative and animated video [4:32] written by educator James Coll.

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