Historical Documents
Primary sources that shaped the American founding — read and study the original texts.
Founding Documents
1776
Declaration of Independence
The founding document asserting the colonies' separation from Britain and the self-evident truths of natural rights.
1787
United States Constitution
The supreme law of the land, establishing the framework of the federal government with its three branches.
1791
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties from government infringement.
Federalist Papers
1788
Federalist No. 51
Madison's essay explaining how the structure of government safeguards liberty through separation of powers.
1787
Federalist No. 10
Madison's argument for a large republic as the best defense against factions threatening liberty.
1788
Federalist No. 78
Hamilton's case for an independent judiciary as guardian of the Constitution against legislative overreach.