49
Lesson 49 of 84 · The Constitution
James Madison: Father of the Constitution
The Electoral College elects the President. Each state has electors based on congressional representation. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win.
Key Facts
1
Citizens elect representatives to make laws.
2
The U.S. has three branches of government.
3
The Constitution was written in 1787.
Timeline
1803
The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the U.S.
1861
The Civil War begins
1865
The Civil War ends; slavery is abolished
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is the Constitution?