The United States president preserves, protects, and defends the U.S. Constitution. Each president's term influences events in America and around the world for years to come. This biography introduces young readers to the life of Franklin Pierce beginning with his childhood in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Information about Pierce's education at Bowdoin College and his early career as a lawyer is discussed. In addition, his family and personal life, as well as his retirement years are highlighted. Easy-to-read text details Pierce's military service during the Mexican War and his political career as a member of the New Hampshire state legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate, where he became chairman of the Committee on Pensions. Finally, students will explore key events from Democratic president Pierce's administration, including the Gadsden Purchase, the Treaty of Kanagawa, the writing of the Ostend Manifesto, as well as the Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas. Beautiful graphics showcase the primary source documents and photographs. A timeline, fast facts, and sidebars help put essential information at students' fingertips. In addition, a quick-reference chart provides easy access to facts about every U.S. president. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.