Background

American History

American history is defined by a 250-year evolution from thirteen rebellious colonies into a global power, visually and legally anchored by the U.S. Constitution and the Stars and Stripes. The flag serves as a “visual narrative” of this history, with stars added to represent expanding statehood.

American History Synopsis

Foundation (1776–1787):	The 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. The Articles of Confederation served as the first, weak framework of government.
The Constitution (1787–1789):	Following the ineffective Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788 to establish a stronger federal government, creating a "more perfect Union"
Expansion & Civil War:	The nation expanded rapidly, adding states (and stars to the flag) throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The Civil War (1861–1865) tested the Constitution, with the flag becoming a major symbol of national unity.

The Constitution (1787)

Purpose:	Created a framework for a federal government, balancing power between state and national levels.
Structure:	It established three separate branches (legislative, executive, judicial) based on the principles of checks and balances.
The Bill of Rights:	The first ten amendments, added in 1789, that guarantee fundamental rights and liberties to individuals.
Supreme Law:	The Constitution and federal laws are designated as the "supreme Law of the Land".

The Constitution

Seven Principles of the Constitution

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Core Principles of the U.S. Constitution

The Constitution

U.S. Constitution

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The Constitution united its citizens as members of a whole, vesting the power of the union in the people.

The Constitution

First U.S. President not elected

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as a "living document" the U.S. Constitution evolves and adapts over time.

The Flag (Stars and Stripes)

Adoption:	On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, adopting a flag with 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent a new, unified constellation
Symbolism:	13 Stripes: Represent the original 13 colonies. 50 Stars: Represent the current 50 states. Red signifies valor/bravery, white signifies purity/innocence, and blue represents vigilance/perseverance/justice.
Evolution:	While stars & stripes were added for new states, Congress decided in 1818 to return to 13 stripes to honor the original colonies, with the star count increasing on the July 4 following a state's admission.
Flag Day:	Celebrated on June 14th, commemorating the original 1777 resolution

Popular Sovereignty	The government gains its authority from the people, who rule through their elected representatives.
Limited Government	The government is not all-powerful and may only do those things the people have given it the power to do, as outlined in the Constitution.
Separation of Powers	Government responsibilities are divided into three branches—legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court)—to prevent abuse of power.
Checks and Balances	Each branch holds powers that can check, or limit, the actions of the other branches (e.g., presidential veto, judicial review).
Federalism	Power is shared and distributed between the national (federal) government and the state governments.
Republicanism	A form of government where citizens elect representatives to make laws and policies on their behalf.
Individual Rights	Fundamental rights and liberties, such as those listed in the Bill of Rights, are protected against government encroachment.