U.S. Founding Documents

*Updated to include even more early American documents:

The Mayflower Compact, Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776), and the Northwest Ordinance (1787) U.S. Founding Documents: The Albany Plan, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution is a comprehensive collection of the key texts that laid the foundation for the United States. This book brings together four of the most important documents in American history, each representing a crucial moment in the nation's journey toward independence, self-governance, and constitutional democracy.

The Albany Plan of Union (1754): Proposed by Benjamin Franklin, this early attempt at unifying the American colonies for mutual defense and governance was a precursor to the spirit of collaboration and federalism that would later shape the United States.

The Declaration of Independence (1776): Written by Thomas Jefferson, this revolutionary document boldly declared the colonies' independence from British rule, articulating the inherent rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and setting forth the principles of equality and self-government.

The Articles of Confederation (1777): As America's first constitution, the Articles of Confederation governed the new nation during its early years. While it ultimately proved insufficient in uniting the states under a strong central authority, it laid the groundwork for the federal system that would follow.

The U.S. Constitution (1787): The enduring framework of American government, the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the system of checks and balances, federalism, and individual rights that continue to define the United States today. This document, along with its amendments, remains the cornerstone of American democracy.

U.S. Founding Documents offers readers an essential reference to understand the political and philosophical ideas that shaped the birth of the United States. Whether you are a student of history, a legal scholar, or someone interested in the origins of American government, this collection provides a valuable look at the nation's formative texts, guiding principles, and the evolving vision of liberty and union that have stood the test of time.

Engaging and informative, this book invites you to explore the critical turning points in American history that continue to influence the country's government and ideals today.