American Chronicles

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier: Free Speech in School

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to free speech. But when student journalists in Missouri wrote a series of articles on teen sex and divorce in 1983, their school appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for the right to censor the content – and won.

Who Founded the Democratic Party?

It’s the oldest political party in the United States, but how was the Democratic Party formed and what contributions has it made to U.S. society since?

What is the Magna Carta?

It was written over 1,000 years ago, and commissioned by an English King – so what makes the Magna Carta one of the most important documents in US history?

American Mottos on Symbols

A motto is a saying that stands for what a person, an organization or a country believes in. The United States of America has had two mottos. Let’s learn what they are and what they mean.

Who Was Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin wasn’t just a founder of the United States, he was also a writer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and a huge celebrity in the thirteen colonies.

Miranda v Arizona: What Are Your Miranda Rights?

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Miranda rights are an essential part of any lawful arrest, thanks to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that changed the course of policing.

What are the Different Forms of Government?

Every country on Earth is run by some form of government – but there are many different kinds, from autocracies and oligarchies to direct and representative democracies.

What Are Economic Systems?

Different economic systems have been developed to meet the needs and wants of the citizens of a country or society. These systems have distinct advantages and downsides for producers, consumers, and governments.

Marbury vs Madison: What is Judicial Review?

The U.S. Supreme Court decides if laws made in the United States violate the Constitution or not. It’s called judicial review and it’s a power that was granted to the Supreme Court by the Supreme Court itself – thanks to a landmark case in 1803, Marbury v. Madison.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day takes place every year on the last Monday of May to honor and remember members of the armed forces who fought and died for the United States.