WISCONSIN
Celebrating People, Place and Past
Government
Use these links to learn more about the laws, politics
and history of Wisconsin and the U.S.
Documents
Constitution of the State of Wisconsin
This site from the Revisor of Statutes Bureau also includes the Wisconsin Acts and Statutes and
the U.S. Constitution.
The Making of the Wisconsin Constitution
This article from Wisconsin Lawyer relates the history behind our Constitution, including
descriptions of the two constitutional conventions.
The Wisconsin Blue Book
The blue book provides detailed information about the state government, including an explanation
of how a bill becomes law, biographies of legislators, legislative maps, and statistical information.
The Wisconsin Idea
The entire text of this important 1912 essay by Charles McCarthy is on-line, illustrated with historical photographs and linked to additional references.
The Treaty of 1848
The text of this treaty of between the United States Government and the Menominee Tribe.
U.S. Declaration of Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The documents may be browsed or searched by keyword through this Library of Congress site.
Core Documents of U.S. Democracy
An electronic collection of basic federal government documents that define our democratic society, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court decisions.
Information Sites
The Wisconsin State Capitol
Photographs and information about the state Capitol building in Madison, and information about Capitol tours. See also the State Historical Society's site with information about Wisconsin's First Capitol.
The Wisconsin Legislature
This site includes highlights of recent and upcoming activities of the legislature; the text of bills, acts, statutes and other state documents; and e-mail addresses of legislators.
The Wisconsin Court System
An explanation of how the court system works, a history of the courts and famous Supreme Court decisions are features of this site.
State of Wisconsin Official Website
This site supplies links to resources available from all Wisconsin state agencies, departments and other governmental branches. It also provides links to information resources at the University of Wisconsin campuses, as well as sources from other states and the federal government.
Wisconsin Local Governments
Links to city, town and villages Web sites.
The State Symbols of Wisconsin
Learn about our official state symbols from the official State of Wisconsin Web site..
Stately Symbols
Learn more about Wisconsin symbols from the Department of Natural Resources environmental education Web site.
History
Turning Points of Wisconsin History
During May, the Wisconsin Historical Society asked students, parents, teachers, and everyone else who loves Wisconsin history to vote for the events that interest them most. The online ballot was arranged by 10 historical eras and themes designated for study by the Department of Public Instruction, so the list also serves as a quick overview of important events in state history. The topics that people cared about the most will be documented, as well as some lesser-known events to ensure balance.
WisHis Timeline
This interactive Wisconsin History kids' website from the State Historical Society includes major events in Wisconsin history, with links to important documents, games, and quizzes.
Wisconsin Historical Landmarks
Learn all about our historical markers, and click on a map of the state to see a list of historical landmarks in that region. Students from throughout the state are invited to research a local historical marker and publish their results at this site created by students at the School District of La Crosse.
From Wilderness to State
This historical account of the history of Wisconsin was written in 1949, and is illustrated with photographs and maps. It includes descriptions of early events such as choosing a homesite and building a cabin, as well as an account of the founding of the state.
Wisconsin's Legal History
This site from the on-line magazine Wisconsin Lawyer provides detailed articles about the important developments in Wisconsin law and politics, such as the Progressive Era, the death penalty and women's and civil rights. Biographies of influential people involved are provided with each article.
Indian Country Wisconsin
This site from the Milwaukee Public Museum provides lot of information on Wisconsin Indian
tribes and their history.
Chippewa Treaties
This youth publication from the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission provides an explanation of the Chippewa treaties and their impact. Part I covers Chippewa history and culture, and Part II focuses on treaty rights and resource management.
How Wisconsin Women Won the Ballot
This account written in 1921 by Wisconsin historian Theodora Youmans is illustrated with historical photographs and documents.
Old Abe the War Eagle
The Wisconsin Electronic Reader features an illustrated article about Wisconsin's Civil War mascot. The Wisconsin Historical Society also provides a historic photograph and description of Old Abe.
The Wisconsin Veteran's Museum
Information such as histories of Wisconsin Civil War regiments and an illustrated guide to help students understand Wisconsin’s role in World War II.
Civil War and the 19th Century takes visitors on a guided tour of the war through stories of the citizen-soldiers Wisconsin. This illustrated audio presentation is narrated by historian Stephen Ambrose with the voice of Gregory Peck presenting excerpts from the letters, diaries and other
eye-witness accounts of Wisconsin soldiers.
Wisconsin in the Civil War
This site from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum provides a snapshot of Wisconsin history around
the time of the civil war and outlines Wisconsin regimental histories. .
Vietnam-Era Prisoner of War / Missing in Action Database
This database is designed to assist researchers in locating government documents pertaining to military personnel listed as unaccounted for as of December, 1991. Documents that are identified using the database may be purchased or borrowed from local library through inter-library loan.
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