CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE The Dawn of a Nation 4 CHAPTER TWO Lawmakers 12 CHAPTER THREE The President 20 CHAPTER FOUR Justices 28 CHAPTER FIVE State Local Leaders 34 Fast Facts 42 Stop and Think 44 Glossary 46 Learn More 47 Index 48 About the Author 48
CHAPTER ONE THE DAWN OF A NATION For eight years American colonists fought a war against Great Britain Great Britain ruled the 13 original colonies Many colonists wanted their independence So they fought and won The war became known as the American Revolution 1775 1783 The colonists faced challenges after gaining their independence The 13 former colonies began operating as separate states The idea of a Colonial leaders wrote the Declaration of Independence a document that spelled out the reasons Americans fought to gain their freedom 5
