The Most Influential Founding Fathers

These were the leading lights who helped forge a nation—though not all of them signed the Declaration of Independence.

6The Images That Define American History

7The Most Influential Founding Fathers

8The Most Important Works of Art in American History

1. James MadisonThe Father of the Constitution. Shows the payoff for taking copious notes. The ugly side: He owned more than 100 enslaved people.

2. Thomas JeffersonAnd at number two, the author of the American theory of law-based, anti-divine rule. A second hit: the Virginia statute on religious freedom. Slave ownership: more than........

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