Brian “Fox” Ellis

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.

Audience Recommendations

This is a program for adults, but accessible to older students. Potential partners include various civic minded organizations: League of Women Voters, Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, local historical societies, Teachers of Social Studies, and local students of American History could be offered extra credit for attending.

Program Logistics

This hour-long program includes a series of true stories from the founding of our country with each short story followed by a question the audience will discuss about what it means to be an American. John Adams will share the history of what steps led up to the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, then lead a discussion about our rights and responsibilities, our shared history and a hopeful future. For a large audience, a clip-on microphone is preferred. The host is welcome to record and share via a private link for one week after the program for those who registered but were unable to attend.