Primary Sources of American Political Documents

The Declaration of Independence became the cornerstone document of our democratic nation. But why was it written? What influenced its author, Thomas Jefferson, and what made it so revolutionary? Discover how this document shaped the foundation of a nation, and how it continues to influence American government today.

"The title of this confederacy shall be the United States..." Thus began the first constitution of the United States of America. Although replaced by the current US Constitution in 1788, the Articles of Confederation defined the US government and established policies that are still in place today. Featuring a unique combination of context and primary source text, this book provides a thorough understanding of this essential document.

The United States Constitution is our country's founding document, providing the framework for our government and judicial system. Explore the goals, intentions, and debates of the framers of the constitution to understand how and why our nation continues to live by and interpret its principles today.

Secret societies. Spy networks. Rebellion. Revolution. All of these were precursors to one of the most influential political documents in history. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution, outlining the basic human rights awarded to every American citizen from birth. Read about the origins of the Bill of Rights, its creation, and the influence it still holds.

Early American colonists were optimistic adventurers who helped build a new settlement. But they also experimented with creating a new society. The Charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first political document written in the United States, a first attempt at self-government. Discover who wrote this document and why, and how it influenced the creation of the United States government.

The Iroquois Constitution was created in the late sixteenth century to bring peace and unity to five-and later, six-warring Iroquois nations. But how was this understanding reached? What were its specific conditions? And did it affect later political documents in the United States? Read about the legacy of the Iroquois Constitution and how its influence can still be felt today.