Although I am not currently teaching U.S. History, this is an area where I can post some interesting information, especially regarding on-going research about Amesbury's connections to the larger story of our nation.

Basics - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A Federated Constitutional Democratic Republic

Influenced by Greek democracy, Roman republic, Magna Carta, English common law and Enlightenment ideas.

Top 3 Documents: Declaration of Independence; U.S. Constitution; Bill of Rights

Our Government in Brief

Three Branches: "JEL" Judicial, Executive, Legislative

Basic Branch Purposes:

Executive - Leads & Enforces or "Executes" our laws

Legislative - Bicameral Body (Senate + House of Representatives) that "Lego" = Make or Create our laws

Judicial - Judges or Interprets laws

Law Hierarchy - Federal Statutes (laws); State Statutes; Local Ordinances (laws)