The American Revolution ushered in an age of democratic revolutions. Unlike many later revolutions, America’s war did not lead to unbridled violence and dictatorship but to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the peaceful transfer of political power between parties in 1801. Cooperation and compromise distinguish the creation of the United States from more violent revolutions. Despite great uncertainties, America’s founders pressed forward to independence and the creation of a federal republic. The Declaration of Independence became a lasting beacon for those seeking justice, human dignity, and self-government throughout the world.

America’s search for a plan of national government was a slow, difficult process. Compromise, cooperation, and creativity were required as the Americans moved from being colonials in a patriarchal monarchy to citizen-leaders in a representative republic of federal states. Most of this process took place in the midst of a long, revolutionary war. Not only were these "the times that try men's souls," in the words of Thomas Paine, they were also the times that tested Americans' intellects and practical political skills in creating a strong, national, republican government.

Amending the Federal Constitution to include a bill of rights was the penultimate political compromise in the creation of the United States government. Even though Federalists believed that individual rights were fully protected by state and common law, they knew that Anti-Federalists would never embrace the new Constitution until amendments protecting specific rights were adopted. Therefore, in 1789 Congress passed proposed amendments to the Constitution as one of its first orders of business. Viewed as unnecessary by many and a mere diversion by others, the first ten amendments, which became known as the Bill of Rights, became the bedrock of individual rights and liberties.