John Adams
3 War Powers Myths That Totally Misrepresent the Constitution
“Until war is Constitutionally declared, the nation and all its members must observe and preserve peace.” That was John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States. But today, few people even understand what this means – or how Founders like Washington,...
Peace and Independence: Franklin, Adams and Jay on the Treaty of Paris
Sept. 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally established “a general peace.” Signed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay – Article I affirmed 13 “free sovereign and Independent States,” and remains in force today. Highlighting their views on the treaty...
The Real Revolution: James Otis vs the Writs of Assistance
The revolution started years before the war commenced – a change in the views and sentiments of the people. And we can trace the beginning of the controversy between Great Britain and America to James Otis Jr, and his arguments against the Writs of Assistance in...
Founding Four: First Inaugurals from Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison
How did the Founders treat an inaugural address? We can get a pretty good idea from their own words: Adherence to the Constitution, peace, principles – and more. An overview of the first addresses of 4 leading founders – who were also the first four...