Social Studies

New York would not be the state it is today without the many strong leaders of its past. This fascinating resource examines some of the most influential men and women in New York's early history, including Peter Minuit, Sybil Ludington, Peter Stuyvesant, Red Jacket, and George Clinton. Entertaining biographical information is woven into the narrative of New York history and is presented along with primary source documents and paintings supporting the contributions of these early luminaries.

New York has a complex three-branch system of government that is executed by a group of democratically elected leaders. This fact-filled volume examines the history of this government structure from its earliest roots in the Iroquois constitution to an explanation of the separation of powers. The book is richly formatted with full-color photographs as well as primary source documents that help bring the evolution of New York's government into the spotlight.

After the American Revolution, New York played a major role in the development of the newly formed United States. Not only was New York City the first capitol of the new nation, but many influential local writers, inventors, and leaders provided valuable contributions to the newly forming American government, economy, and culture. This engaging book provides information, supported by primary sources from the period, on the people and events that made New York such an invaluable part of the early history of the United States.