Cam raised his hand and asked, “So where is the other chamber if there are two in the legislative branch?”
“Great question, Cam,” Freedom’s grandfather said, patting Cam on the back.
Their inquisitive minds never ceased to impress me.
Benjameer responded, “The House of Representatives convenes in the south wing and the United States Senate convenes in the north wing of the Capitol Building. These make up the two chambers of the United States Congress.”
I prompted, “In the United States Senate, each state is represented by two senators, elected by the people, regardless of population, correct?”
Benjameer replied, “Yes, indeed, sir, you are correct. This dates back to the Connecticut Compromise, which came about during the drafting of the Constitution in 1787. The people of each state elect two senators who serve six-year terms.”
“Yes, we were there! James Madison told us all about the Connecticut Compromise and how he had to give up some of his ideas in the Virginia Plan to get it approved,” Tommy said enthusiastically.
Benjameer looked at Tommy with a confused look. Freedom’s grandfather gave me a wink.
Breaking the silence, Freedom piped in: “Mr. Revere and his horse, Liberty, are the best history teachers in the world.”
“Horse?” Benjameer asked. Everyone looked away with no reply.
This is a photo of the 111th United States Senate, meeting in the U.S. Capitol Building. There are two senators per state. The other part of Congress is the House of Representatives.
Just then, Freedom tapped my shoulder and whispered, “Mr. Revere, we have sort of an emergency outside.”
Oh no, I thought. What has Liberty gotten himself into this time?
“Liberty told me to tell you that he was minding his own business in front of the building where we left him but it sounds like the Capitol Police didn’t want a stray horse wandering the National Mall. So Liberty had to make a break for it.”
“He’s running from the police?” I asked.
“Yes, but he said not to worry,” Freedom clarified. “He’s going to give them the slip.”
I leaned closer to her and asked, “You mean he’s going to turn invisible so the police cannot find him?”
Freedom paused as she reached out to Liberty’s mind for more information. “Uh, not exactly,” Freedom said. “Apparently, Liberty keeps banana peels in his saddlebag just in case he’s being chased. He’s literally going to give the police the slip by tossing banana peels at them. He says it works when he plays Mario Kart.”
By now, the boys were listening to our conversation and were laughing.
“Is something funny?” asked Benjameer with a bit of irritation in his voice.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Franklot, but we’re going to have to end our tour of the Capitol,” I said. “We have a friend who needs our help.”
“Yeah, we might have to bail him out of jail,” whispered Tommy with a smirk.
Chapter 8
As we left the Capitol building to rescue Liberty, Freedom said, “Liberty says he’s going to meet us at the northeast corner of the Capitol near Constitution Avenue.”
We began to walk that way and Tommy pointed out a banana peel on the sidewalk. “We must be headed in the right direction,” he said.
“Liberty’s been watching too much TV,” said Cam. “Slipping on a banana peel is bogus. It only works in cartoons.”
“Whatever,” said Tommy. “You’d slip on one, too, just like you and Freedom are going to slip into last place when I’m first to find our next clue!”
As the kids teased each other I searched ahead for any sign of a fugitive horse. After a few minutes we arrived at our rendezvous point.
“Where is he?” asked Cam. “Isn’t Liberty supposed to be here?”
Liberty appeared out of nowhere. He was breathing hard and clearly paranoid about being caught.
“I think you’re safe,” I said. “Nobody’s chasing you.”
“Whew!” Liberty replied. “You are lucky I wasn’t horsenapped, although a nap sounds pretty good right now. But seriously, I was standing where you left me, daydreaming that the Washington Monument was a giant carrot sticking out of the ground, when suddenly I looked up and saw the Capitol Police sneaking up on me. They were close enough to spit gum at.”
“Please tell me you didn’t spit gum into their hair like you did to that British Redcoat in 1765,” I said.
“Of course not,” Liberty replied. “The Capitol Police are the good guys. Except when they think I’m a criminal fugitive horse. As soon as I saw them stalking me I backed away slowly. But then they started walking a little faster, so I backed away a little faster, and before I knew it the chase was on. And let me tell you, it’s not easy running backward with four legs!”
“Why didn’t you just turn invisible?” asked Tommy.
“Not when they’re staring directly at me in broad daylight,” Liberty said. “Remember, I don’t technically turn invisible. I can only blend into my surroundings like a chameleon.”
Freedom giggled and said, “You’re never invisible to me.”
“But you’re safe now,” I said. “If we bump into the police we’ll just tell them we found our lost horse and all is well.”
Liberty’s breathing calmed and he said, “Lucky for you I can multitask with the best of them. You think I’m only running from the law, but really I’m preparing the next mission clue for the secret agents.”
“Bravo, my friend, you are a gentleman and a scholar,” I said, knowing Liberty would beam. “But before you jump into the next clue, we are going to have to head to the hotel to grab dinner and tuck in for the night. We want to make sure we are well rested for our big day tomorrow.”
We took the Metro to the hotel, and Liberty found his way back to his outdoor bed.
* * *
The next morning everyone looked rested when we met Liberty at the park where he slept.
“Oh, oh, can I give the clue now?” Liberty said, almost jumping from one leg to the other.
“Yes, but before you do, I have a few questions of my own to see who was paying attention yesterday,” I said. Liberty’s shoulders sank.
“Mr. Revere, it sounds like you’re giving us a test,” Cam said accusingly.
“Not a test,” I replied. “Think of it more as I’m pitching you some questions to see if you can hit them.”
“Okay, great, then I’m going to hit a grand slam,” Tommy said.
“I can’t wait to see it,” I replied. “Now, who can tell me what we saw so far on our tour of Washington, D.C.?”
“Besides security guards and angry police on horseback, right?” Cam said, laughing. “Just joking; we saw the National Archives, of course.”
Freedom nodded and added, “Yes, where some of our country’s really important documents are kept, like the Constitution.”
“Exactly right, you were paying attention,” I said, then smiled and glanced at Freedom’s grandfather. He looked on proudly.
Tommy raised his hand and said, “We also saw the Capitol Building, where all our country’s laws are debated.”
“And we saw the Washington Monument,” Freedom said, with confidence.
“Wow guys, fantastico, complimenti, magnifique, parabens,” Liberty said, attempting all accents.
“So, what have we not seen yet?” I asked.
Everyone looked at me blankly.
“Oh, I get what you’re doing here, Revere,” Liberty said. He was squinting. “Mind if I step in?”
I motioned for Liberty to go ahead.
“Well, James Madison taught us that there are three branches of government in the United States. These were established in the Constitution,” Liberty said, professorially. “So far we’ve seen the Capitol Building, which is part of the legislative branch. So that just leaves two to see.” He nodded to his students.
“Wow, Liberty, I’m impressed. I thought it was just fun and games with you,” I said.
“Sometimes you sail to a random thought but this time you are spot-on.”
I patted Liberty’s side and pulled out a spear of broccoli from his saddlebag.
Freedom’s grandfather took Liberty’s lead and added, “If Liberty were arrested, where would he have to go to say he is innocent?”
“Court,” Cam said quickly. “And I’m not talking about a basketball court. Although it would be kind of cool to play a game of one-on-one against a judge to defend your innocence.”
“Unless the judge is LeBron James,” Tommy replied.
“Uh, good point,” Cam nodded.
“I’m sure Cam’s referring to a court of law,” Freedom’s grandfather said.
“Exactly right,” I said. “Our next stop is the highest court in the United States, called the Supreme Court.”
Liberty made an exaggerated coughing sound, to gather everyone’s attention. Then he said in a low voice, “Secret agents, the time is now. I am prepared to deliver your next clue. Are you ready?”
The Crew nodded in anticipation and Freedom checked the next number on her mission notecard.
“This is your next clue,” Liberty said, dramatically.
How many judges are there on the Supreme Court, what are they called, and which branch of government do they serve in?
Cam said, “Game on!” and started to pull out his phone.
“Ah, ah, ah,” Liberty warned. “You must text the answers to Captain Revere from the location where the Supreme Court judges sit when court is in session. That is your mission!”
“Got it,” Freedom said, and wrote the clue down in her sketchbook.
“Don’t forget our special surprise, Liberty,” I reminded him.
“Oh yes, thank you, Captain. If you all do well in this part of the mission, you will receive a special prize,” Liberty said. “I will announce it after you all correctly complete the Supreme Court objective.”
“Cool!” Tommy said.
“We will meet you outside the Supreme Court after we come out, Liberty,” I said.
We left the park and took the Metro to a stop near the Supreme Court building. After a short walk we saw the dome of the Capitol Building on our right. To get our bearings I took a quick look around. I could not see past the Capitol dome, but knew that the National Mall behind it stretched all the way down to the Lincoln Memorial.
Lawyers argue cases here at the Supreme Court of the United States. Above the pillars are the words Equal Justice Under Law.
Then I saw it. The Supreme Court of the United States. We walked closer until we were standing in front of it. I had seen movies of people walking up the long set of steps to the court, but somehow everything looked brighter in person. I counted eight giant columns leading up to a triangular top. They looked strong and sturdy and above them, the words EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW.
“Picture time, guys!” Freedom said as we gathered to capture the moment and check another task off the mission list. Behind us flew large American flags.
We made our way to a side entrance and through security.
The inside of the Supreme Court was as awe-inspiring as the Capitol Building. I could have stayed for hours looking at the columns, art, chandeliers, and statues of former justices of the Supreme Court.
“Hey, what is a justice?” Cam asked, looking at an inscription near a statue. “Is it like the Justice League? You know, with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman?”
“Not quite,” I said. “A justice is a judge who sits on the bench of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, so a justice is the top judge. There are a total of nine justices on the Supreme Court, and they serve for life, unlike Congress or the President.”
“Oh, that’s cool!” Tommy said. “I’ve seen pictures of the justices dressed in black robes sitting next to each other. I didn’t really know what they did, though.”
“Maybe underneath those robes they’re wearing superhero costumes,” suggested Cam, smiling.
“The nine justices are extremely cool,” Freedom’s grandfather said. “They may not be superheroes but they are super at studying the U.S. Constitution. They make sure laws created by Congress protect the rights of the people. Sometimes, the Supreme Court justices will say a law is not ‘constitutional.’ When they do, they strike it down, and it is no longer the law of the land.”
These are the nine justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. They serve for life and are appointed by the president of the United States. Can you name them?
The Crew nodded.
Tommy looked like a lightbulb went off in his head and he began to text.
I looked over his shoulder and read TO MR. REVERE: NINE JUSTIC—
Before he could finish, Freedom interrupted and said, “Don’t forget you have to text from where the judges sit.”
Tommy put his phone down and said, “Thanks, Freedom, good call.”
Cam gave a half smile and said, “My mom’s the Supreme Court in our house. One time I made a new law that I shouldn’t have to wash the dishes. Oh, boy, she struck that faster than a cat falling upside down.”
We all laughed along with Cam.
Freedom tugged my shirt and said, “Mr. Revere, could I sketch a little bit in here? It is really pretty.”
Just then, Freedom noticed a young girl, with sandy hair and a mouth full of braces, drawing in a notebook. She was sitting by herself on a small bench, seemingly content in her own world.
“Mr. Revere, that girl likes to draw, too. I wonder if she is drawing something for her class about the Supreme Court?” Freedom asked.
“Would you like to go and say hello?”
Freedom smiled and said, “Sure,” and began walking toward her. I was surprised at her eagerness to meet a new friend.
“Hi, I’m Freedom,” she said in a soft voice. “I really like to draw, too.”
The girl, who looked about Freedom’s age, looked up.
“What’s your name?” Freedom asked.
“My name is Maddie,” the girl said quietly. “I love to draw people and places and animals, but only sometimes.”
“Me, too,” Freedom said, looking down at her notebook. “My teacher said I should draw places in Washington, D.C., so I could remember our field trip.”
“Who is your teacher?” Maddie asked. “Is it your mom?”
“No, his name is Mr. Revere. He is our substitute history teacher,” Freedom replied, waving me over.
“Cool!” said Maddie. “It’s just my mom and me. She’s right over there by the courtroom.”
I greeted Maddie and stood back a bit to let them talk.
A little way behind me a voice said, “Sorry for intruding. Let’s go, Maddie Margaret. We don’t want to bother these nice people.”
A woman in jeans and a bright blouse ushered Maddie out of her seat.
“It is no bother whatsoever,” I said. “We were just complimenting your daughter on her impressive artwork.”
Maddie’s mother said, “Thank you very much. That is very kind of you. She works very hard at it. Margaret studies at home and I’m her teacher. I thought it would be interesting to show her our country’s most important buildings.”
“I’m a teacher as well,” I said. “And I agree, nothing beats experiencing these places in person. Homeschooling is really admirable. I’ve met a lot of homeschool families and I really appreciate the sacrifices you make to educate your children directly.”
“Thank you very much. It can be challenging at times, but so worth it. I am on call as a cardiologist at our hospital. On the days that I can’t teach, Maddie meets with other families in our small town that also homeschool,” Maddie’s mom replied.
“Wow, a cardiologist and full-time teacher. I am really impressed. Hats off to you!” I said.
We stood together for a few minutes exchanging stories. When Tommy, Cam, and Freedom’s grandfather came over, I asked Maddie and her mother if they would like to join us as we walked around the court. They
agreed, and Freedom and her new BFF were immediately inseparable.
“Thank you for including us, Mr. Revere,” Maddie said.
“Of course. We are thrilled to meet new friends,” I replied.
Freedom nodded enthusiastically. “We could be pen pals, too. I’ll send you my drawings. I do a really good one of my friend, Liberty. He’s an amazing horse.”
Maddie flashed a huge smile. “You have a horse? Wow, that is so cool.”
Soon we passed through large oak doors into the Court Chamber. The view was stunning. Everything looked red and brown, and in the front of the room were nine chairs behind a raised wooden bench. American flags stood on either side. The Supreme Court was not in session, but when it was, this room would be packed.
“Some of the most important legal cases in our country’s history were argued right here. Did you ever hear of the case Brown v. Board of Education?” Maddie’s mom asked Maddie.
“I don’t think so,” Maddie said, and Freedom shrugged, too.
Maddie’s mom continued: “It is the case that ended segregation based on race in the school system. The justices of the Supreme Court said that it was against the Constitution to keep schoolchildren of different races separate, so thankfully the law was stopped.”
Cam said, “So, when the Supreme Court justices lay down the law, they really lay down the law.”
“Yes,” Maddie’s mom replied. “It is a very powerful court and they are powerful judges. They are part of the judicial branch of government. The legislative branch, or Congress, creates the laws, and the executive branch, or the President, enforces the laws. That is how the three branches work together and our freedoms are protected.”
“Hey, when we met James Madison, he said the same thing about the three branches idea. And it came true!” Tommy said.
“Absolutely correct,” I replied.
Maddie’s mom looked at me, just like Benjameer did, as if Tommy was kidding about meeting Madison.
Rush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner Page 11
