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.

Great resource for those interested in the history of the American presidency. Presented here are the digital sound files and summaries of taped recordings from six U.S. Presidents including the controversial Nixon tapes.

John Adams' response in this critical essay to the definition of the "British Empire", not an empire as other European monarchies, but a republic by constitution. Link to "Massachusettensis" for a Biography of Daniel Leonard.

Students weigh the choices Washington faced in the nation's first Constitutional crisis by following events through his private diary.

This site presents the full written document of President George Washington's first inaugural speech. Content includes information about the speech, images of the document itself, and a full transcript of the document.

This site, a compliment to PBS's landmark series "The West," provides an excerpt from President Chester Arthur's First Annual Message to Congress. In this speech, Arthur outlines his proposals for dealing with the Native American population.

What combination of experience, strategy, and personal characteristics enabled Washington to succeed as a military leader? In this unit, students will read the Continental Congress's resolutions granting powers to General Washington; analyze some of Washington's wartime orders, dispatches, and correspondence in terms of his mission and the characteristics of a good general.

The official site for The White House and the Executive Branch of government. The site offers current as well as historical events, speeches, documents, and more. Includes up to date information about the Obama administration, current issues, and foreign policy.

The influence of President Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) on American foreign policy has been profound and lasting. In this curriculum unit, students will study the formation, application, and outcomes--successes and failures alike--of Wilson's foreign policy. Ultimately, students will evaluate the legacy of Wilsonianism in U.S. foreign relations and its extension into contemporary U.S. history.