Important Historical Documents

United States Constitution: A document, created in 1787 and ratified in 1788, that establishes the federal government and the basic rights granted to U.S. citizens. To read the Constitution click here

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution. Check out the Bill of Rights here.

Declaration of Independence: A statement agreed upon at the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 in which the thirteen colonies declared their independence from the British Empire. To read the complete Declaration of Independence, click here.

The Federalist Papers: A collection of 85 essays written between October of 1787 and May of 1788 in order to influence voters to vote to ratify the proposed US Constitution. These essays, authored by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison, were primarily published in the New York Packet and The Independent Journal but were reprinted in other newspapers in other cities and states. To read the Federalist Papers click here.

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