10 We the People

10 WE THE PEOPLE "A computer?" said Ben. He stared at the large desktop machine. "Yes, that's right," said Annie. "It's useful for learning all about the world. Lots of people even carry small computers in their pockets. On smart phones." "Phones?" said Ben. "What are phones?" "Uh, hard to explain. Let's look at this computer now," said Jack. Annie and Jack grabbed chairs and sat next to Ben. "Watch," said Jack. He tapped a key, and the screen lit up. Ben gasped. "Wait," said Jack. He did a search for

"United States of America." Then he clicked on an entry. A map of the United States and the country's Great Seal appeared on the screen. "Oh! How did that happen? Where did that come from?" Ben asked. "That's hard to explain, too," said Annie. "But read what it says." Ben read aloud softly from the screen: The United States is a country of fifty states. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, it covers a vast part of North America. It has a population of more than 325 million people. Since its founding, immigrants from all over the globe have moved to the United States and become citizens. "My goodness!" whispered Ben. Jack pointed to the Great Seal of the

United States at the top of the screen. "That's a symbol for our country," he said. "I know that symbol," said Ben. "In 1776, I was on a committee to create it." He read the writing on the seal. "'E pluribus unum.' That's Latin for 'Out of many, one.'" "Right, out of many, one," said Annie. "Our teacher told us what that means: The United States is made up of many different states, and people from all over the world. But we are all one nation." "Yes! Yes!" said Ben. "I wonder if our

delegates have forgotten those words." "Probably," said Annie. "People forget them in our time, too." "It's so important to come together as one country," said Ben. "But how can we do that? We are very divided." "Maybe the different sides have to keep talking to each other, and listening to each other, and agree to go forward." said Annie. "She's right," said Jack. "Don't forget—you can add important stuff later. They'll be called amendments. Like amendments that guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of religion." "And give women the vote!" said Annie. "And end slavery and give everyone equal rights," said Jack. "Yes, yes…that makes sense," Ben said. "Perhaps creating a Constitution is only the first step…not the last." "Exactly!" said Jack.

Ben stood up. "I must go now. I must go home. I have to be back for the afternoon session. This Constitution is very important! They need me to be there. You need me to be there!" "We do!" said Annie. Ben hobbled across the library, heading for the door. "Good-bye, Ben!" Sandy the librarian called. "Have a good show!" Readers looked up from their books and stared as Ben Franklin hurried outside. Jack and Annie caught up with Ben in front of the library. The three of them walked quickly to the sidewalk. "My world may seem very rough and simple compared with yours," Ben said breathlessly. "But 'tis filled with the discovery of new things and new ideas! Why, I can even help create a Constitution that will change the history of the world!" "You can!" said Annie.

"Of course, there are parts that I absolutely do not agree with," said Ben. "But additions, as you said, and changes —amendments—will be made later. First, we must come together to create one country. We may never get another chance." "That's true," said Jack. "This way!" said Annie. She and Jack led Ben into the woods. In spite of the heat, Ben moved quickly between the trees. "Here we are!" Jack said when they reached the oak tree. Jack and Annie held the ladder steady. Ben tucked his walking stick under his arm and climbed up slowly. Once Ben was inside the tree house, Jack grabbed the ladder to follow him. But then he heard Ben say, "Hello, my good lady…!" The sound of a woman's voice came from the tree house. Jack froze at the bottom of the ladder. "Jack! It's her!" said Annie.