Inside Guide: Documents of Democracy

The Constitution is arguably the most important document in the United States today. It forms the basis of all laws that are passed in the country, and the Supreme Court's interpretation of the document has influenced countless court decisions and new policies. For these reasons, it's crucial for all American citizens to have at least a basic knowledge of what the Constitution contains. Readers are given an overview of this important document, helping them think critically about proposed laws in the 21st century. Exciting fact boxes, sidebars, and photographs add to this essential reading experience.

The Pilgrims who sailed to what is now the United States on the Mayflower laid the foundation for democracy in the United States with the Mayflower Compact. It created a new set of laws for their community and gave them stability in the New World. Vivid historical and contemporary images and intriguing sidebars enhance the accessible text to show readers how crucial this frequently-overlooked document was to the future of America. In addition, critical-thinking questions challenge readers to take what they've learned and apply it to the world around them today.

The Declaration of Independence was the American colonists' formal declaration that they no longer wanted to be part of Great Britain. Instead, they wanted to be able to decide on their own laws and support only themselves, not another country half a world away. This volume explores what is in the Declaration of Independence and the effects the document had on what is now the United States. Through accessible text, augmented with fact boxes, critical-thinking questions, and engaging sidebars, readers learn why the Declaration of Independence remains such an important document to this day.

In the midst of the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers began planning a new government. Wary of overreach, they created a weak central government through the Articles of Confederation that proved ineffective at keeping the new nation united. Today, states' rights are still debated, and people have different opinions on how weak the central government should be. Full-color photographs, sidebars, and fascinating fact boxes highlight the reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed. This helps readers think critically about the current debate over weak versus strong central government, which is highlighted in enlightening discussion questions.

Many Americans are unfamiliar with Thomas Paine's pamphlet, “Common Sense”. However, at the time it was written, it was one of the most important documents in what is now the United States. Paine's challenge to the British government's authority, written in language all Americans could understand, helped fan the flames of revolution. Like Paine's pamphlet, this volume uses accessible language, explaining what's in Common Sense and why it changed the course of history. Eye-catching photographs and engaging sidebars bring the document to life, immersing readers in the revolutionary era. In addition, critical-thinking questions help readers dive deeper into this topic.

The Founding Fathers drew inspiration heavily from other countries' comparable documents, especially the Magna Carta, which limited the power of the English king. This prospect appealed to the American colonists, who worked key ideas from the Magna Carta into their new founding documents. Through detailed main text enhanced with informative graphic organizers and engaging fact boxes, readers learn how influential the Magna Carta was on the government of what is now the United States. In addition, sidebars and discussion questions challenge readers to think more deeply about this essential social studies topic.