Founding Documents

The foundational texts of the American republic — declarations, charters, and constitutions that established the government and its principles.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution and the document that proved insufficient

Common Sense

Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet that made independence a popular cause

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 founding document asserting American independence and natural rights

First Amendment

The constitutional guarantee of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition

Mayflower Compact

The 1620 shipboard agreement that planted the seed of American self-governance

Northwest Ordinance

The 1787 law that established the framework for American territorial expansion

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified 1791

The Federalist Papers

The 85 essays that explained the Constitution to a skeptical public — and defined American political thought

The Second Amendment

Twenty-seven words at the center of America's gun debate

U.S. Constitution

The 1787 framework of government that has governed the United States ever since

Washington's Farewell Address

The 1796 letter in which the first president warned against the dangers that would define American history