George Mason and the Bill of Rights

http://www.self-gov.org/freeman/920503.html

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This biography of George Mason and his crusade for the Bill of Rights reminds Americans of how much we owe this little acknowledged leader. Standard 8.2.3, 8.2.6, 10.2.2, 11.1.2, 12.1.6

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 1352

George Washington and Mount Vernon

http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/explore_mv/

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: As you take the tour of the Mount Vernon mansion, try to find the secret passageway. Read excerpts from George Washington's journal, and look into findings at the archaeology dig in progress. It also has a description of slavery at Mount Vernon including a census and a primary source narrative from Washington's valet. Standards 3.4.3, 3.4.6, 5.5.4, and 8.2.4

Resource Type: Other.

Graphics content: High.

Resource ID: 1356

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death

http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/henry-liberty.html

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry made this speech from which the famous words "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" were part. His words were a strong appeal to the colonists to declare independence from Britain. Standards 5.6.1, 5.6.2, and 8.2.2

Comments: To analyze the ideas of this speech, check out this lesson developed by the Virginia Department of Education http://www.inmind.com/schools/lessons/PatrickHenry/lesson.html

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 1382

Mayflower Compact, November 1620

http://members.aol.com/calebj/compact.html

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This is the Mayflower Compact document showing the text, the people who signed it, and a stamp. It is in the old English but modern type. Standards 5.2.2, 5.4.2, 5.4.7, 8.2.1, and 11.1.1

Resource Type: True.

Resource ID: 2129

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, 1639

http://www.answers.com/topic/fundamental-orders-of-connecticut?cat=biz-fin

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This About.com site provides an introduction and a link to a copy of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut that served as the basic law of the Connecticut colony from 1639 to 1662. Thomas Hooker, John Haynes, and Roger Ludlow were most influential in framing this early experiment in constitutional government in the Americas. Standards 5.4.7, 8.1.2, and 12.1.1

Comments: The reading level is pretty difficult so teachers may need to be selective in the sections of the document to emphasize with younger students.

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 959

Thomas Jefferson - Jefferson Memorial

http://www.nps.gov/thje/home.htm

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This site briefly explores the life of Thomas Jefferson and his influence on American democracy. Standards 5.4.3, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, and 10.2.2

Comments: The basic ideas are introduced but not developed so this site is really only an introduction.

Resource Type: True.

Resource ID: 3138

Thomas Jefferson on Slavery

http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/slavery.htm

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This essay by Thomas Jefferson is in stark contrast to many of his other writings on human rights. What arguments does Jefferson offer to support the continuation of slavery? At the end of his essay, he describes how emancipation must come. Was he correct? Standards 8.2.3 and 11.1.2

Comments: The text is long and may need to be excerpted for use in the classroom..

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3141