Background Information
Declaration of Independence
The colonies were becoming increasingly frustrated with their lack of representation in the British Parliament. As they began to set up provincial governing bodies, the British tried to dissolve these and sent troops to reinstate authority. Fighting broke out between the British troops and the colonists. At the Second Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, representatives from the thirteen colonies issued a statement declaring their independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson, the representative from Virginia, wrote the Declaration. The Declaration listed the grievances the colonies had against the British Empire and affirms the rights of the people of the colonies. The Declaration was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, and Independence Day is celebrated as the birthday of our nation. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that , that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are ." 1 This sentence may be the most referred to sentence when discussing the idea of America. It has come to represent what the United States attempts to provide to all its citizens. What are the Rights of the American citizen?
The Constitution of the United States of America
The U.S. Constitution was written over 200 years ago and is considered the oldest constitution in the world; it is also the shortest, consisting of only 4400 words. Many countries throughout the world have used our Constitution as a model for their own government. The Founding Fathers knew the document was not perfect and set up a way for the Constitution to be altered or amended. The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments in the Constitution and it protects many important ideas such as allowing you to say what you want, practice whichever religion you want, and helping to keep you safe. The Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, by the in , , and first by the state of Delaware on December 7, 1787. It was signed by two future presidents, George Washington and James Madison. George Washington declared November 26, 1789 a National Day of Thanksgiving in order to give thanks for the Constitution and this is still recognized today. This document defines the three branches of government and the duties and powers of each. The Bill of Rights has become a symbol of the fundamental freedoms and culture of our nation. What does Freedom mean to you?
George Washington: First President (1789-1797)
Any conversation or unit designed to discuss the presidents and idea of America should, of course, begin with our first president, George Washington. Washington was elected the first president in 1789 and is commonly referred to as the "Father of Our Country". He made the oath of office in New York City in the newly named Federal Hall. Washington had been the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolution and presided over the Continental Congress which drafted the Constitution. Washington's goal as the first president was to set examples that would preserve a republic form of government after he left office and he persuaded the American people that their future lay in the union of a strong central government. The first Congress voted to pay him a sum of $25,000, a large sum in those days, and as he was already wealthy and saw himself as a self-less public servant, he refused the salary. Ultimately he reversed his decision so that it would not be perceived that only independently wealthy individuals could serve without a salary. Washington's vision for this new country outlined a great and powerful nation that would be built on republican lines using federal power. He sought to use the national government to improve the infrastructure, open the western lands, promote commerce, found a permanent capital, and promote a spirit of nationalism. "The name of American", he said, must override any local attachments.
Inaugural Address Passage
"I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so on another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command respect of the world." 2
Paraphrased for students
I see the surest of promises that no local powers or attachments, no separate or different views or political party dislikes, will alter or change the complete and equal eye which should watch over this great group of communities and interests, so that the base of our national plan will be set in unchangeable standards of private beliefs, and the superiority of free government can be shown by all the parts which can win the love of the citizens and command respect from other countries.
Thomas Jefferson: Third President (1801-1809)
Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence, was governor of Virginia, Secretary of State during George Washington's presidency, Vice President to John Adams and then became our third President. Jefferson supported state's rights and believed the federal government should be limited. Jefferson outlawed the importation of slaves and opened the west for exploration when he purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the United States. He commissioned Lewis and Clark to survey and explore the western territories. Jefferson died on, July 4 th 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and a few hours before John Adams, the second President. Jefferson believed in reducing the authority of the federal government while protecting civil liberties and minority rights. Jefferson's inaugural address is considered by some historians as the finest ever given. He used the phrase "fellow citizens" several times throughout his speech, attempting to include not only the influential men of the time, but also those with considerable less access to power. Even with this powerful phrase, Jefferson's idea of "fellow citizens" was not all inclusive; African Americans, Native Americans, and women were not included in thought or intent.
Inaugural Address Passage
"About to enter, fellow citizens, on the exercise of duties which comprehend everything dear and valuable to you, it is proper you should understand what I deem essential principles of our government, and consequently those which ought to shape its administration…equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none; …the honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of public faith; encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce…freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially selected." 3
Paraphrased for students
As I begin the job of the president, it is right that you should understand what I think to be necessary beliefs of our government, and therefore those that should shape its administration. Equal fairness to all men, of whatever state of religious or political belief. Enter into peaceful and honest friendships and trade partnerships with other nations in the world, not entering into tangled or trapped deals with any nation of the world… the honest payment of out debts so the public still has faith in the government; support of farmers and of businesses(shops)…Jefferson also believed in the rights of men to have freedom to practice the religion of their choosing, freedom for the press to print the news, freedom from being unlawfully held by the government, and freedom to have a trial by a jury that is fair and neutral.
Abraham Lincoln: Sixteenth President (1861-1865)
Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be born outside of the original thirteen states. He was born in the territory of Kentucky and received almost no formal education. Lincoln taught himself law and passed the bar to become a lawyer. He entered the Illinois State legislature and then was elected to the House of Representatives. Lincoln was opposed to the expansion of slavery and won the presidential election in 1860. Abraham Lincoln steered the country through its most difficult time. The country was divided over the issue of slavery. Thirteen southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, freeing slaves in the Confederate states that did not return to the union. Many believed that Lincoln was only concerned with preserving the Union, however he often stated that he wished that all men everywhere could be free. Union victory was sealed when Lee's army surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia. Five days later Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. In 1865 the 13 th Amendment was ratified completing the abolition of slavery, which had begun with Lincoln's issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This passage was taken from Lincoln's second inauguration and he was reminding the nation at that time he was working to avoid a civil war that they are now in the middle of. Throughout his time as president, Lincoln worked to improve individual freedoms and access to property, education, and legal remedies.
Inaugural Address Passage
"On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came… With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 4
Paraphrased for students
On the occasion of my first inauguration, our thoughts were directed toward a coming civil war. All feared it, all looked to prevent it. While I was delivering my speech, committed completely to keeping the nation joined, protestors were looking to destroy the nation without war by leaving the Union without discussion. Both parties disapproved of war but the South would rather go to war than let the nation continue to change the stand on slavery and the North would rather go to war than let the nation be divided, so the civil war began… With hatred toward no one and tolerance or kindness for everyone, with the belief that we are right, let us struggle on to finish the work we are in (bring an end to the war), to fix the nation's wounds (physical, mental, and emotional problems caused by the war), to care for those who have suffered or lost their life in the battles, to do everything that will bring about and value or appreciate a fair a lasting peace among ourselves ( the United States) and with other nations of the world.
Theodore Roosevelt: Twenty-sixth President (1901-1909)
Theodore Roosevelt is the youngest man to become president; he took over the office of president after the assassination of President McKinley. Roosevelt sought to control the power of large corporations and worked to improve worker rights. He steered the United States into a more active role of world politics and expanded the Monroe Doctrine to cover all of the Americas as he entered into an agreement with Panama to create a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Theodore Roosevelt considered himself an outdoorsmen and some of his most effective and lasting achievements were adding to the national forests and preserving lands for public use. Roosevelt was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt earned a nomination for the Medal of Honor for his leadership in battle in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. This nomination was denied at the time yet Roosevelt was awarded the medal posthumously on January 16, 2001. Theodore Roosevelt is the only president to receive both the Medal of Honor and The Nobel Peace Prize Many historians place Theodore Roosevelt as one of the top presidents who extended the power of the executive office, and he did this without a national crisis of war, as Lincoln and F.D. Roosevelt, two other presidents named with this distinction. He developed the "stewardship" theory of the Presidency: the chief executive could and should take all measures necessary for the welfare of the American people, even if they were not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.
Inaugural Address Passage
"Modern life is both complex and intense, and the tremendous changes wrought by the extraordinary industrial development of the last half century are felt in every fiber of our social and political being, Never before have men tried so vast and formidable and experiment as that of administering the affairs of a continent under the forms of a Democratic republic…Upon the success of our experiment much depends, not only as regards our own welfare, but as the regards the welfare of mankind. If we fail, the cause of free self-government throughout the world will rock to its foundations, and therefore our responsibility is heavy, to ourselves, to the world as it is today, and to the generations yet unborn. There is no good reason why we should fear the future, but there is every reason why we should face it seriously, neither hiding from ourselves the gravity of the problems before us nor fearing the approach these problems with the unbending, unflinching purpose to solve the aright… Yet, after all, though the problems are new, though the tasks set before us differ from the tasks set before our fathers who founded and preserved this Republic, the spirit in which these tasks must be undertaken and these problems faced, if our duty is to be well done, remains essentially unchanged. We know that self-government is difficult. We know that no people needs such high traits of character as that people which seeks to governs its affairs aright through the freely expressed will of the freemen who compose it. But we have faith that we shall not prove false to the memories of the men of the mighty past. They did their work, they left us the splendid heritage we now enjoy. We in our turn have an assured confidence that we shall be able to leave this heritage unwasted and enlarged to our children and our children's children. To do so we must show, not merely in great crises, but in everyday affairs of life, the qualities of practical intelligence, of courage, of hardihood, and endurance, and above all the power of devotion to a lofty ideal, which made great the men who founded this Republic in the days of Washington, which made great the men who preserved the Republic in the days of Abraham Lincoln" 5
Paraphrased for students
Today life is difficult and powerful and the great changes brought about by the growth of industries in the last fifty years are felt in every part of our lives. Never before have men tried such a difficult job as developing and working to keep the Democratic republic form of government moving forward (a government run by a president elected by the people)…Many things depend on our success to keep this type of governing moving forward, not only for us but for all mankind. If we fail, self-governing (by the people) will suffer. There is no reason we should think we will fail but we should take our role seriously and not hide from our responsibility nor should we be inflexible… Even though our problems are different then the problems of the past, it is our duty to keep the idea of self-government moving forward. We know that people with high character are needed in order to govern their own affairs. We have faith in our Constitution and we need to continue to follow this Constitution so that future generations will benefit from it as well. We need to honor it not only when we are in trouble but also in our everyday life as Washington did when this government was formed and when Lincoln preserved it during the Civil War.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Thirty-second President (1933-1945)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly referred to as FDR, was the fifth cousin to the 26 th president, Theodore Roosevelt. He is the only president elected to more than 2 terms, he was elected to 4 terms and was president for 12 years. FDR was elected during a time that the United States was in severe economic crisis and his persistent optimism and call to action were appealing to the public. In his first one hundred days, FDR created jobs, programs for economic recovery, and pushed for reform and regulation for the banking industry. As the decade progressed and war loomed on the horizon, FDR worked to keep the United States neutral. The US entered WWII when Japan launched an attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a "date which will live in infamy", stating FDR. During FDR's four terms, he created many government programs, including Social Security. FDR died in April of 1945, just months before the end of WWII.
Inaugural Address passage
"I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the presidency I will address them with candor and a decision which the present situation of our nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days." 6
Paraphrased for students
I am positive that my fellow Americans expect on my entrance into the presidency I will speak to them with honesty and a decision which the present situation of our nation requires (the nation was in the state of economic depression). This is overwhelmingly the time to speak the truth. We do not need to hide from honestly facing the state our country is in. This great nation will last as it has lasted, it will restart and will grow. So, first of all, let me state my belief that the only thing we have to fear it fear itself (FDR wanted to give the nation hope and let them know that being afraid or nervous about their situation will only make things worse). It is useless and only stops the action to change losing progress into forward progress. In every hard time of our lives leading with honesty and strength has been supported by the people and this is important to succeeding. I am convinced that you again will give that support and leadership in these serious days.
John F. Kennedy: Thirty-fifth President (1961-1963)
John F. Kennedy, commonly referred to as JFK, was the youngest person to be elected to the office of the president. During the election, JFK and Richard Nixon participated in the first televised presidential debates. Nixon looked nervous and was perspiring while JFK appeared cool and confident. This was a turning point for the campaign and Kennedy began to take a slight lead in the polls. During his presidency, JFK inherited strained relations with the Soviet Union and struggled with the threat of communism. Involvement in Vietnam increased, and tensions grew with Cuba. Kennedy is known for developing the Peace Corps and instilling a sense of volunteerism within the citizens of the United States. The United States space program grew and he announced that we would land a man on the moon. Kennedy began to take a stand on the civil rights movement and initiated the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Kennedy would be assassinated before this came to pass. His assassination has spurred many theories and has proven to be one of the most studied and controversial assassinations in US history.
Inaugural Address passage
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty…To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required — not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich… And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." 7
Paraphrased for students
Let every other country know, whether it wishes us good or poorly, that we will pay any price, stand up to any problem, meet any difficulty, support any friendly country, fight any enemy, to promise the survival and the success of liberty. To those people in huts and villages in other parts of the world struggling to break free of the ties of sadness, we promise our best efforts to help them help themselves, for however long we are needed—not because Communists (another form of government) may be doing it, not because we want them to vote with us, but because it is the right thing to do. If a free society, like America, cannot help those who are poor, then those that are rich cannot be helped either. And so my fellow Americans, do not ask what the country can do for you, you should be asking what can I do to help this country. My fellow citizens of the world, do not ask what can America do to help you, but what can we do together to help make all people free.
Ronald Reagan: Fortieth President (1981-1989)
Ronald Reagan is the oldest man to be elected president, he was 69. Reagan believed in lower taxes to stimulate the economy, less government interfering in people's lives, and a strong national defense to combat Communism. He was the first president to survive being injured after being shot in an assassination attempt. He appointed the first female, Sandra Day O'Connor, to the Supreme Court. When he took over the office, inflation and unemployment levels were high and Reagan pledged to emphasize economic recovery through lower taxes and lessened government regulations. During Reagan's tenure, military spending increased, the minimum wage was frozen, and welfare became an object of attack as Reagan believed the federal government should have a lesser role and that the private sector would pick up where the government left off. By the end of the Reagan years, the gap between the rich and the poor grew dramatically and the national debt grew from $997 billion to $2.85 trillion during his presidency.
Inaugural Address passage
"Well, this Administration's objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy that provides equal opportunities for all Americans with no barriers born of bigotry or discrimination. Putting America back to work means putting all Americans back to work. Ending inflation means freeing all Americans from the terror of runaway living costs… All must share in the productive work of this "new beginning," and all must share in the bounty of a revived economy… With the idealism and fair play which are the core of our system and our strength, we can have a strong and prosperous America at peace with itself and the world. So as we begin, let us take inventory… We are a nation that has a government — not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the earth. Our Government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed… It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the Federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the states or to the people… All of us — all of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the states; the states created the Federal Government." 8
Paraphrased for students
Well my helpers and I have a goal to have a healthy, energetic, growing, economy (businesses and customers) that provides equal opportunities for all Americans with no walls started with racism or unfairness. Putting American back to work means putting all Americans (the people) back to work. Ending the rise of the cost of things means freeing all Americans from the fear of runaway living costs… All must share in the helpful work of this "new beginning," and all must share in the reward of a recharged economy (businesses and customers).
Barack Obama: Forty-fourth President (2009-)
Barack Obama is the first African American elected as President. When Obama took office, the nations was involved in an economic crisis involving a housing crisis, high unemployment figures, and a bank crisis as well as two ongoing wars in the Middle East. His campaign had focused on economic reform and the need to research alternative energy sources, educational reform, and reform of the health care system. In his first 100 days in office, Barack Obama reached out to improve relations with many foreign countries, worked to develop a global economy resolution, and worked to control and end the wars in the Middle East. He was awarded to Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
Inaugural Address Passage
"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history… What is demanded, then, is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task… America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." 9
Paraphrased for students
Our challenges may be new. The tools with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends—honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, acceptance and curiosity, loyalty and love of America—these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is required, then, is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new time of responsibility—a remembrance on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do meanly accept, but instead grab gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so filling to the spirit, that explains us and our values then giving our best to a difficult job. America: in the face of danger, in this time of our hardship, let us remember these words that are timeless. With hope and goodness, let us brave the hard times that may come our way. Let it be told to our future generations that when we had to do a hard job we did not fail, we did not give up, we did not fumble, and with our mind set we carried forward the great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
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