The American government is a popular and often hotly debated subject. To witness what can be thought of as the birthplace of this very government, pay a visit to the Federal Hall, in New York City.

Now a national museum and memorial, this monument in Wall Street used to serve as New York’s City Hall in 1700. It was also the place whereby George Washington, founding father and first president of the United States of America, signed his inauguration under the constitution. While this and many other significant political decisions took place in this location, it was not in the current building, but one that was demolished in 1812, where they transpired. Nevertheless, the Federal Hall is a great place to learn about the political history of this fascinating nation.