Law and Politics Chapters

What the law requires (or allows) is not always fair or just or honorable. Politics is often polarizing. Stories in this collection help us to examine the highs and lows of "the law" over the centuries.

In order to sever all ties with Great Britain, Congress approves the Declaration of Independence.

Even though the American public may not approve, this does not mean the one in power is wrong.

Throughout United States history we express our frustrations and pride in our country through the media.

Top-secret study of America's involvement in Vietnam leads to many federal-government lies being exposed.

King John continues to fight with the nobles until his death. Eight hundred years later the Magna Carta is still an important document.

An explanation of what the Executive Branch is and what it does.

The Magna Carta grants certain liberties to noblemen and, years later, becomes a basis for American rights and liberties.

Scholars disagree about the reliability of slave memoirs and oral histories.

Jim Crow Laws, named after a character in a minstrel show, become a synonym for legal segregation.

Facts about Bobby's fatal shooting are still in dispute today.

This lithograph, by John Childs, depicts “Cinque Addressing his Compatriots.” It is online via the U.S. National Archives, courtesy of the...

Mossadeq upsets Britain by taking back control of Iran's oil; the U.S. agrees to partner with Britain to overthrow him.

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