Tyranny. Oppression. Repression. Restriction. These descriptors illustrate British rule’s impact on the colonial population. After years of unwarranted invasions, unfair taxes, and burdensome laws, people dreaded the continuing loss of their freedoms. A group of 55 men recognized that trepidation, and decided to make a bold change. In May of 1787, the Constitutional Convention began, planning a new government that would protect the people. One year later, with more than the nine votes required for ratification, …showed first 75 words of 1192 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1192 total…success of the new nation – “I have often in the course of the Session…looked at the sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” The bright ideas incorporated into the Constitution and Bill of Rights still light the way for a strong nation after more than 200 years.