James Madison: Who Are the Best Keepers of the People’s Liberties?
Republican. — The people themselves. The sacred trust can be no where so safe as in the hands most interested in preserving it. Anti-republican. — The people …
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National Gazette Article on ‘The Spirit of Governments’ by James Madison and Anon.
No government is perhaps reducible to a sole principle of operation. Where the theory approaches nearest to this character, different and often heterogeneous principles mingle …
Mary Wollstonecraft’s Vindication of the Rights of Woman is Published
“Women are told from their infancy, and taught by the example of their mothers, that a little knowledge of human weakness, justly termed cunning, softness …
Bill of Rights is finally ratified
Following ratification by the state of Virginia, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, become the law of the land. …
Benjamin Franklin on Jesus Christ: “… the System of Morals and his Religion… is the Best the World Ever Saw, or is Likely to See.”
This was Franklin’s final and most famous description his personal faith. He offers a concise “creed” and expresses skepticism about the Divinity Jesus. He …
George Washington Gives Nations 1st State of the Union Address: “A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined…”
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered to Congress the first State of the Union address in American history. This address presented defense, foreign …
French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
This document, approved by the National Assembly, codifies the ideals of the French Revolution, strongly influenced by those of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution. …
A Congressman from Massachusetts, Fisher Ames, Proposes the Wording of the First Amendment
He sat next to George Washington in the pew at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York during the religious service following Washington’s presidential inauguration. He …
James Madison’s Speech to the First Congress Proposing Twenty Amendments to the United States Constitution
In this James Madison speech to the First Congress, Madison proposes twenty amendments to the United States Constitution. The Constitution’s acceptance by the people of …
Madison’s Proposal for the Bill of Rights
Newly-elected Congressman James Madison arrived at New York in March of 1789 with a double burden. In addition to his official responsibilities, he carried a …