Back to www.history.orgCurrent Topic
Presidents and Their Slaves
February 1 - February 29, 2012
The Great Debate
Unity vs. Diversity
We celebrate our unity as one American nation, but we also cherish our diversity. How do these values sometimes clash?
Discuss
Does Black History Month matter?
Black History Month evolved to commemorate our diversity, but some critics say it undercuts American unity.
Do we still need Black History Month?Related Information
-
CLOSE
Video
Jefferson and Jupiter
This scene highlights the emotional bond of a lifelong relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his manservant Jupiter. Excerpted from the Electronic Field Trip, 4:15
-
CLOSE
Video
Paul Jennings Visits Dolly Madison
Paul Jennings, a former slave to James Madison, visits the widow Dolly Madison. Excerpted from the Electronic Field Trip, 3:56
-
Reading
Thomas Jefferson, Son of Virginia
A student, sage, and author of a new nation, Thomas Jefferson awes us still, 250 years after his birth.
-
Reading
How the Founders Sowed the Seeds of Civil War
Historians still wonder whether America's founders could have created a more perfect union without dooming a following generation to reap the whirlwind of civil war.
What is Connect?
Join us as we explore today’s issues through the events and struggles of the past. Learn More
The Great Debate
Americans share certain core values that exist in tension with each other. Learn More
Subscribe
Receive notifcations about upcoming webcasts and special topic series.
Archives
- Jan 4
Political Campaigning
Has negative campaigning gone too far?
Voters say it turns them off, yet few candidates can resist the temptation. Its practitioners say they are just telling voters what they need to know. It's usually legal and, at least sometimes, it works: Newt Gingrich blamed negative ads for his quick fall in Iowa. But is it ethical?
- Dec 1
The Holidays' Religious Roots
What echoes of the 18th-century Christmas still survive?
America cherishes its freedoms, among them the freedom to practice any religion or no religion at all.The modern Christmas celebration may be the fullest expression of that right, with some choosing a religious observation, some enjoying a secular holiday, and others who do not mark the day in any way.
It hasn't always been that way. Despite the persistent mythology that America was built on religious freedom, history tells us a story of early colonies who had little tolerance for religions other than their own. In Virginia, failure to attend church was a crime, public taxes were collected to fund the church, and public office was barred to anyone who was not a member of the Anglican church.
In the founders' time, Christmas was a modest observation anchored by religious services. Church attendance might be the only feature of the modern celebration that an 18th-century colonist would recognize.
Explore the resources below to learn more about the origins of Christmas in America.
- Nov 16
American Foreign Policy
What is America's role in the world?
America's role as a world power elicits debate about ethical and legal responsibilities.
- Nov 2
The Federal Tax System
What is a fair system of taxation?
Presidential candidates address the national debt and taxation, issues that have been around for centuries.
- Oct 26
State and Federal Rights
Have shifts of authority from the states to the federal government weakened state power too much?
In some instances, states have abused their powers, requiring federal intervention. In other cases, powers may best be left to the states.
- Oct 19
Voter ID laws
What is the impact of voter ID laws on the right to vote?
State laws that require voters to provide photo identification before voting may limit fraud but also present a barrier to the right to vote.
- Oct 18
Webcast: Assemble and Petition
Live interactive webcast: Cathy Lewis, host; patriot Patrick Henry and law professor Henry Chambers discuss the role of protest in America.
- Oct 12
Assemble and Petition
When should citizens break the law to demand change?
Sometimes laws violate our core ethical beliefs. Since citizenship means taking an active role in self-government, some citizens have risked arrest to protest unfair policies.
- Oct 5
The Courts
Is it fair to require citizens to serve on juries?
The Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury, but not every American finds it convenient to serve. Often the personal demands of work and family are stronger than the duties of serving the common good.
- Oct 5
Live interactive webcast: Cathy Lewis, host; Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry discuss freedom of religion and its role in government.
- Sep 28
Freedom of Religion
As a symbol of unity, our founders' Christian heritage exists in our Constitution but an increasingly diverse population expands America's religious philosophies and changes how we view our history.
- Sep 21
A Right to Own Slaves
Should affirmative action programs be discontinued?
Affirmative action can restrict our individual freedom to do business with, hire, or accept whomever we choose in order to ensure more equality for disadvantaged groups.
- Sep 22
Webcast: Framing the Constitution
Live interactive webcast: Cathy Lewis, host; George Washington and James Madison discuss creation of the Constitution and intent of the founders.
- Sep 12
Framing the Constitution
When are Constitutional amendments necessary?
Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind." Sometimes, changes in our ethical views compel us to amend our Constitution.
Historic Triangle
iCitizenForum
