Most Americans know very little about George Mason, who was instrumental in getting the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution by the First Congress in 1791.

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George Mason was a highly influential Virginian who had a "profound understanding of republican government," and yet he remains largely unknown to the American public. Find out about America's "Forgotten Founder" over the next several episodes of 60-Second Civics.

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Before he reached the age of sixteen, George Washington wrote down one hundred and ten "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation."

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George Washington owned slaves and took steps to return slaves who escaped. Nevertheless, he came to reject slavery, both for the human suffering it caused and on principle.

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George Washington believed in the virtues of nonpartisan government, in which patriotic citizens of different views would be willing to serve together.

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George Washington's vigorous policies established the president as an energetic leader, not a ceremonial figurehead.

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As president, George Washington understood his own limitations and was not reluctant to rely upon the counsel of others.

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As president, George Washington demonstrated the value of a strong executive in the hands of a trustworthy person.

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Far from being eager for power as president, George Washington likened his feelings on once again taking up the burdens of public service to "those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution."

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George Washington did not participate in the public debates over ratification, although his support was widely known and had a strong influence.

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