The United States Government

In 1776, American people declared their freedom and created a new country: the United States of America.

In 1787, leaders of the United States decided to form a new government. They wanted to protect people’s freedoms.

The leaders wrote the Constitution to name the government’s many jobs. Three of those jobs are:

• • to make fair laws

• • to make sure laws are followed

• • to protect its people and land

This painting shows George Washington speaking to other U.S. leaders about the Constitution. It was painted in 1856 by Junius Brutus Stearns.

The Washington Monument was built in honor of George Washington, the first U.S. President.