U.S. Founding Documents
This gallery highlights resources designed to enhance study of a few significant primary source documents from American history.
Constitution Annotated
The Constitution Annotated is a key research tool designed to analyze and explore all provisions of the Constitution.
A Century of Lawmaking
U.S. Congress records from 1774 to 1875, including Bills and Resolutions, Congressional Record and Statutes at Large.
The Constitution
Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the U.S. Constitution is the world's longest surviving written charter of government.
Declaration of Independence
Independence Day, also known as "the Fourth of July," celebrates our Declaration of Independence from the British Empire in 1776.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights which guarantee essential rights and liberties, were ratified in 1791.
Federalist Papers
"Written in favour of the New Constitution" (in 1787 and 1788), the Federalist Papers explores how the American government might operate.