John Adams: Architect of our Democracy

• What were the cultural and political events that led to our Declaration of Independence?
• What are your basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of these United States?
• How does our government separate and balance power? And who was the leading voice in all of these debates? John Adams. 

Adams recruited Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration, edited his words and then worked tirelessly, ratifying the Declaration of Independence by a consensus of all thirteen colonies. 

John Adams recruited George Washington to lead the military, the fledgling government, then he negotiated the Paris Peace Accords, so England would recognize us as an independent nation. 

First Vice-President, Second President and father of the Sixth President, join one of the foundational founding fathers in a discussion of what rights you hold most dear. Engage in civil debate about how our imperfect nation has endured, and how it might yet ‘be good and do good’. Share your American story with John Adams, an American whose family roots go back to 1632, the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the Mayflower.


This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.