Final answer:
The term 'Founding Fathers' refers to the influential leaders who established the United States government, particularly the key figures identified by Richard B. Morris in 1973.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to refer to the founders of the United States of America is Founding Fathers. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified seven key figures: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. These men played pivotal roles in leading the American Revolution, drafting the Declaration of Independence, and establishing the U.S. Constitution. Some were authors of The Federalist Papers, which advocated the ratification of the Constitution. The Founding Fathers not only initiated the creation of a new nation but also laid down the foundational Constitutional Ideals that guide the United States till today.