The documents American predecessors left contain a written record of our history, and bear witness to why we are who we are and how our democracy evolved. In this video, we look at the documents that come from the tumultuous Revolutionary Era. Educators from noted American universities share their insights on: The State Constitutions (1776-1781), The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786), Common Sense (1776), The Declaration of Independence (1776), The Articles of Confederation (1776).
Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)
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America’s Documents of Freedom 1787-1796
Our country’s destiny has been shaped by those who gave of their leadership, wisdom and sometimes their lives. Our American’s Documents of Freedom have recorded the evolution of our republic down through the years. This program focuses on the period of history when our country is first born and starting to grow. Educators from noted American universities share their insights on: The United States Constitution, The Federalist Papers, The Bill of Rights, and Washington’s Farewell Address.
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50 Great Years in American History
Climb aboard the Just The Facts time machine for a fun filled journey through American history. Along the way you will visit the many landmark years that contribute to forging the greatest nation on earth.
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Little Known Facts of American History
Little Known Facts of American History – You may know about the major events during America’s history, but the little known happenings are equally fascinating and possibly just as important. The first part of this production looks at important little known events such as: * When time zones and road maps first help organize American’s lives. * The origins of the Ferris wheel, tissue paper and the potato chip. * The founding of the YMCA * The first stagecoach drivers, phone operators and even Baseball umpires… and many more!
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America’s State Capitals
The interactive format of this DVD invites viewers to test their knowledge of our state capitals and makes watching (and learning!) fun for all ages.
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The Executive Branch of Government
Understanding Government: The Executive Branch is a fascinating program that analyzes the powers of the President from a legal and historical point of view. Past presidents had differing opinions on executive power. Some held very conservative views on its scope of authority, while others held a more liberal stance on the powers granted the president and a few overstepped its bounds. This includes not only Richard Nixon, but also Franklin D. Roosevelt and even Abraham Lincoln. Noted educators and elected officials offer insight on this important facet of American political science.
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The Legislative Branch of Government
The Constitution of the United States established three distinct branches of Government – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Our founding fathers, in their wisdom, formed this division of government to establish the principle of separation of powers. This creates an internal system of checks and balances designed to protect citizens from capricious or tyrannical actions of government. Discover important insight about the inner workings of the combined houses, Congress, including how laws are made, the role and power of committees, the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists, and the checks and balances that exist between the two houses and political parties. Noted educators and elected officials share their insight o this very important facet of American political science.
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The Judicial Branch of Government
The Supreme Court’s responsibility is to interpret all laws and ensure that they do not conflict with the founding principles of the Constitution. Examine numerous landmark cases including Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch vs. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden. The challenges faced by the Judicial Branch over the history of the United States are fascinating and crucial to complete understanding of the American political system. Noted educators and elected officials share their insight on this very important facet of American political science. The Just The Facts Learning Series explores The Judicial Branch in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!
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The Election Process in America
The right to vote is the single most important right for American citizens, and yet, many Americans fail to exercise this valuable right. Many feel their vote doesn’t count, but this enlightening DVD points out why we should take the franchise, the right to vote, very seriously.This program explains the dynamics of the electoral college, electing government officials, concepts and terms like suffrage, franchisement, lobbyists and political action committees, it also explores ways to get more involved in the workings of government.
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American Presidents
Learn each president’s political affiliation, state of residence, term in office; their birthplaces, homes, and burial sites. And of course, the major political, economic, domestic and foreign issues of each president are explored, as well as their major achievements and disappointments. The Presidency of the United States is the most powerful position in the nation, and is often referred to as the “leader of the free world”. Their power is only equaled by the massive responsibility they hold. They are not always perfect, but their stories are always fascinating.