On July 4, 2026, Americans will celebrate 250 years of independence, honoring those who risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to found our great experiment in self-government. Hillsdale College invites you to learn more about America’s Founding by watching a new video series—produced in partnership with the White House—“The Story of America.”
The United States Constitution was designed to secure the natural rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. Signed by Constitutional Convention delegates on September 17, 1787—Constitution Day—it was ratified by the American people and remains the most enduring and successful constitution in history.
Americans have overcome many challenges throughout our history, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the Cold War. Studying the great stories from our past inspires us to preserve the blessings of liberty in our day. Now you can study these stories with Hillsdale College.
In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power.
Almost 250 years ago our Founders established the freest and most prosperous nation in human history. But today we have moved so far away from the political theory of the American Founding that we risk losing sight of what made America great in the first place.