The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers were a series of articles written in 1787 and 1788 under the pen name of Publius by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The purpose of The Federalist Papers was to gain popular support for the then-proposed Constitution. You can view the 85 essays outlining this new type of government planned for the U.S. of America by viewing it here.

WEEK 1: Overview of Course & Declaration of Independence

Charles Carroll of Carrollton was one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence. Carroll was the only Roman Catholic and the last survivor of all 56 signers dying in 1832 in his 96th year. Charles Carroll and his family played a major role in the framing of the governance of Maryland and the emerging United States. Carroll’s accomplishments and persistent efforts to promote and establish the concept of religious toleration were embodied in the founding documents and laws of our country still used today for “all men who are created equal.”  (Source:  http://charlescarrollhouse.org/the-carrolls/personal-biography-2)

For homework, read the article  about the Carroll family under "Useful Links" which details the Catholic Founding Fathers of the Carroll Family.

America's Students Know Little About Their Country, Geography, Civics and History

Ten years ago, the Atlantic  magazine featured an article on the sad state of our American 8th-grade students as to their knowledge of U.S. History, geography, and civics. The data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed that in 2014 between 18% and 27% of students scored proficient or higher in these three subjects.

Our U.S. Presidents Class will focus on all three areas as we look also at Current World Events and where they occur. In our first class we will view two videos that clearly illustrate the lack of knowledge of U.S. History and Civics in College students at Texas Tech here and in another video featuring high school students and their knowledge of Geography here.

Welcome Students & Parents!

A warm welcome is extended from our family to yours.  

This Blog is dedicated to my late father, Warren Joseph McKeegan, a World War II vet who loved his family, his Lord, history and politics and passed that love on to me. This Blog will be used to supplement the handouts used in class and the homework assignments with each class. We will have an afternoon and evening class each Thursday starting September 12 with twelve students split between the two class times.

This Blog will also be used to communicate news and updates on the classes. In preparation for the students first homework assignment due on Sept 19, I have attached three links to help the students with this assignment. You can find these links on the right hand side under "US Presidents Useful Links:.Both students and parents are encouraged to post comments or questions anytime they need help or want clarification of some issue discussed in class.