The Great Awakening

This short video examines the flurry of religious expression which spread throughout the colonies during the 1740’s and 1750’s. Led by individuals such as George Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards, the Great Awakening cut across racial, class, and geographic barriers to create an incipient sense of nationalism. Professor Jeffry Morrison contends that the popular religiosity of this movement contributed directly to the popular constitutionalism of the 1770’s.

Religion in Colonial America

This short video examines impact of Reformed Christianity on the minds and hearts of the Framers of the Constitution. Influenced by the writings of John Locke, Algernon Sydney, and John Calvin, Founders such as George Washington and John Adams believed that religion should play an informal, though important, role in American Society. Professor Jeffry Morrison examines Adams’ contention that colonial fears of British bishops helped to inflame revolutionary sentiments.

The Printers’ Role in Constitutional Ratification

This short video examines the role played by America’s newspaper printers in the ratification debates. Over 80% of all papers supported the new Constitution and played a significant role in supporting the Federalist cause. Professor John Kaminski explains how and why the newspapers helped to drive the ratification debates.

Voices of History

Voices of History is a collection of eight Bill of Rights Institute curriculum resources including Being An American, Preserving the Bill of Rights, Founders and the Constitution, Supreme Court DBQs, Liberty and Security in Modern Times, Religious Liberty: An American Experiment, and Heroes and Villains. Teachers will have free access to each resources’ lessons plans and handouts.

Van Orden v. Perry (2005)

Does placement of the Ten Commandments on state property in Texas violate the Establishment Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answers this question in 2005.

Virginia v. Black (2003)

Does a Virginia law that criminalizes the burning of a cross on public or private property violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.

Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002)

Is an ordinance regulating the solicitation and canvassing of private homes a violation of free speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.

Zelman v. Simmons Harris (2002)

Is a Cleveland scholarship program that allows parents to opt to send their children to religious private schools unconstitutional? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.