CHAPTER VI. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 175 Noble character of this Document—It speaks for all men and all times—The Declaration. CHAPTER VII. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION 181 Full text of the Articles adopted in 1777, forming the Constitution for 12 years. CHAPTER VIII. REVOLUTIONARY WAR FROM 1776 TO 1783 191 Battle of Long Island—Silent retreat at night—Washington driven across the Delaware—His success in the Jerseys—Battles near Philadelphia—Surrender of Burgoyne—Treaty with the French—French fleet—British evacuate Philadelphia—Washington’s success again in the Jerseys—Southern War—Defeat of Gates—Treason of Arnold—Gen. Green and Cornwallis—Lafayette and Cornwallis—Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown—Review of the War—Financial Difficulties—Character of the People—Peace at Last! CHAPTER IX. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 203 The Constitutional Convention of 1787—Defects of the Articles of Confederation—Caution of Statesmen and the People—Result of the Convention—Full text of the Constitution and Amendments. CHAPTER X. THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 225 Names of Presidents of the Continental Congress—The various Seats of Government from 1774 to 1789. PART SECOND. THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION 226 The Three Branches of the Government—Arrangement of this Work—Excellence of the Organization—Comparison of the United States with Mexico—With Ireland—_Why it has prospered_. THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. CHAPTER I. THE PRESIDENT 229 His place in the Government—He is its active force—Conditions of birth, age, and residence—How he is elected—His powers and duties—List of all the Presidents. CHAPTER II. THE VICE-PRESIDENT 234 His position mainly honorary—His only duty—When he may become President—List of Vice-Presidents. CHAPTER III. THE CABINET 236 Number and offices of members—Their duties—President’s will supreme—Their means of aiding him—The character and ability required. CHAPTER IV. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 239