"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
This quotation reflects the ideas mainly derived from
Here is an excerpt from a speech made at St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia in March of 1775.
"The war is inevitable-and let it come! I repeat it, sir let it come! It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentleman may cry, Peace, peace; but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring it our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we hare idle? What would they have? If life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course other may take, but as for me-give me liberty, or give me death!"
Who was the author of this speech?
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation included the national governments inability to
i. raise and army
ii. establish a uniform currency
iii. regulate interstate and foreign trade
The national legislative branch, as defined in the US Constitution, would consist of
i. two-house (bi-cameral) legislature
ii. House of Representatives whose membership was based on the population of a state
iii. Senate whose membership was based on two Senators per state
