This reference work presents 27 key documents from the historic origins of the United States government through its subsequent expansion and evolution. The book is divided into five sections, the first of which is an introductory essay about American democracy. Section II includes three documents that laid the foundation for America's government: the Magna Carta, the 1628 Petition of Right, and England's Bill of Rights. The third section presents 13 core documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Section IV provides 11 documents of America's territorial expansion, from the Treaty of Paris through the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and the Alaska Treaty and Hawaii Resolution. The final section is an essay about the future of democracy. There are 12 useful appendices.

Writing has shaped American history from the time of the Pilgrims. Readers discover the many written documents that played a role in shaping early American democracy from the Mayflower Compact to the Emancipation Proclamation. This important social studies topic is presented in a fresh way through fun facts about the history behind each document and accessible explanations of each piece of writing. Detailed sidebars and eye-catching graphic organizers provide additional information. Historical images and primary sources are included throughout each volume to fully immerse readers in some of the most important moments in American history.

Writing has shaped American history from the time of the Pilgrims. Readers discover the many written documents that played a role in shaping early American democracy from the Mayflower Compact to the Emancipation Proclamation. This important social studies topic is presented in a fresh way through fun facts about the history behind each document and accessible explanations of each piece of writing. Detailed sidebars and eye-catching graphic organizers provide additional information. Historical images and primary sources are included throughout each volume to fully immerse readers in some of the most important moments in American history.

Recent scholarship, and a list of suggested readings. Forty-seven illustrations complement the text.

Classic Books Library presents this brand new edition of “The Federalist Papers”, a collection of separate essays and articles compiled in 1788 by Alexander Hamilton. Following the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, the governing doctrines and policies of the States lacked cohesion. “The Federalist”, as it was previously known, was constructed by American statesman Alexander Hamilton, and was intended to catalyse the ratification of the United States Constitution. Hamilton recruited fellow statesmen James Madison Jr., and John Jay to write papers for the compendium, and the three are known as some of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Alexander Hamilton (c. 1755–1804) was an American lawyer, journalist and highly influential government official. He also served as a Senior Officer in the Army between 1799-1800 and founded the Federalist Party, the system that governed the nation’s finances. His contributions to the Constitution and leadership made a significant and lasting impact on the early development of the nation of the United States.

Recent scholarship, and a list of suggested readings. Forty-seven illustrations complement the text.