Founding Fathers Word Search

ADAMS – John Adams was America’s second president and key revolutionary leader. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and served as a diplomat during the Revolutionary War era. 

AMENDMENT – A formal change or addition to the Constitution. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties and freedoms.

BOSTON – Massachusetts city central to American independence. The Boston Tea Party and Boston Massacre were pivotal events that escalated tensions between American colonists and British authorities before the Revolution.

BRITAIN – Great Britain ruled the thirteen American colonies until independence. Conflicts over taxation, representation, and colonial rights led to the Revolutionary War and America’s separation from British control in 1776.

COLONIAL – Relating to the thirteen British colonies established along America’s Atlantic coast. The colonial period lasted from early 1600s until independence, shaping American culture, government, and identity formation.

COLONY – A territory under political control of another nation. Thirteen British colonies existed along the Atlantic seaboard, eventually uniting to declare independence and form the United States of America.

CONGRESS – The legislative body that represents the American people. The Continental Congress coordinated colonial resistance, declared independence, and governed during the Revolution before the Constitution established modern Congress.

DELEGATE – A representative chosen to act on behalf of others. Colonial delegates attended the Continental Congresses, debated independence, drafted founding documents, and made crucial decisions affecting the emerging nation.

DEMOCRACY – A system of government where power resides with the people through voting and representation. America’s founders established democratic principles, including elected representatives, checks and balances, and protected individual rights.

FRANKLIN – Benjamin Franklin was a statesman, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, secured French support during the Revolution, and contributed to the Constitutional Convention.

FREEDOM – The power to act, speak, and think without oppressive restrictions. The Founding Fathers fought for freedom from British rule and established constitutional protections guaranteeing essential liberties for citizens.

HAMILTON – Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father, first Treasury Secretary, and Constitution advocate. He established America’s financial system, co-wrote the Federalist Papers, and promoted strong federal government authority.

HANCOCK – John Hancock served as Continental Congress president and signed the Declaration of Independence with his famously large signature. He was a wealthy merchant and Massachusetts governor supporting independence.

HENRY – Patrick Henry was a Virginia revolutionary leader famous for declaring “Give me liberty or give me death!” He advocated colonial rights, opposed British tyranny, and championed individual freedoms.

JEFFERSON – Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and served as third president. He promoted individual liberty, religious freedom, education, and expanded America westward through the Louisiana Purchase.

LIBERTY – Freedom from tyranny and oppressive government control. The pursuit of liberty motivated American colonists to revolt against Britain, establishing a nation founded on principles protecting individual rights and freedoms.

MADISON – James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution” for his pivotal role drafting the document. He co-wrote the Federalist Papers and served as fourth president of America.

PATRIOT – A colonist who supported American independence from Britain. Patriots organized resistance, fought in the Revolutionary War, and sacrificed personal safety to establish a free and independent United States. 

PRESIDENT – The chief executive officer of the United States government. George Washington became America’s first president in 1789, establishing precedents and traditions that defined the office for future generations.

REBELLION – Armed resistance against established authority or government. The American Revolution was a colonial rebellion against British rule, resulting in independence and the creation of a new democratic republic.

REPUBLIC – A government system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions. America’s Founding Fathers established a constitutional republic, rejecting monarchy and ensuring power derived from the people’s consent.

RIGHTS – Entitlements and freedoms belonging to all citizens. The Bill of Rights protects essential liberties including speech, religion, assembly, and fair trials, limiting government power over individuals’ lives.

TREATY – A formal agreement between nations establishing terms of peace, trade, or alliance. The Treaty of Paris 1783 ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence from Britain.

VIRGINIA – A colony central to America’s founding. Virginia produced influential Founding Fathers including Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Henry, playing a crucial leadership role in independence and constitutional development.