Category: Important Documents
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Magna Carta’s Influence on U.S. Constitution
The Magna Carta, born out of a conflict between King John of England and his barons in 1215, laid the groundwork for principles that continue to shape modern governance. Understanding its historical context and enduring influence helps us appreciate the foundational ideas that underpin our constitutional republic. Historical Context of Magna Carta King John of…
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Federalist Papers and the Constitution
During the late 1780s, the United States faced significant challenges with its initial governing framework, the Articles of Confederation. These issues prompted the creation of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays aimed at advocating for a stronger central government under the newly proposed Constitution. This article will examine the purpose, key arguments, and lasting…
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Top Founding Era Writings
1. Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Great Britain. Jefferson presents the philosophical foundation that all men are created equal, endowed with inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The document is notable for its concise…
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The Articles of Confederation – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Also see the Constitutional Topics Page for this document, a comparison of the Articles and the Constitution, and a table with demographic data for the signers of the Articles. Images of the Articles are available. Contents Preamble Article I – Style Article II – States Rights Article III – Mutual defense Article IV – Laws…
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The Report of the Annapolis Conference – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
The Report of the Annapolis Conference In September 1786, a conference was called in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss the state of commerce in the fledgling nation. The national government had no authority to regulate trade between and among the states. The conference was called to discuss ways to facilitate commerce and establish standard rules and…
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The Albany Plan – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
The Albany Plan In late 1753, the London Board of Trade wrote to New York Governor James DeLancey. The Board supervised provincial affairs in the Americas. It was concerned about the French courting of the Iroquois (the Six Nations) and with the actions of some colonies which were antagonizing the Indians. Fearing that the Indians…
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The Administration of Justice Act – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
The Administration of Justice Act Advertisement Worried by the courts that convened in America and in Massachusetts in particular, and their bias toward the colonists over their British governors, on May 20, 1774, the Parliament passed the Administration of Justice Act. It provided that the governor of Massachusetts had the authority to remove any trial…
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James Wilson’s 4th of July Address – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
James Wilson’s 4th of July Address James Wilson came to America from Scotland in 1765 and quickly learned the law and began to practice in Pennsylvania. By the time of the Revolution, he was well-known and trusted, and was elected to represent Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress. After the Revolution, he increased his personal wealth…
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The Virginia Declaration of Rights – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
The Virginia Declaration of Rights Advertisement After the Committee of Style finished with the final draft of the Constitution at the Constitutional Convention, George Mason stood up and noted that the new Constitution contained no declaration of the rights of the people, a glaring error in his view. Elbridge Gerry seconded Mason’s motion to convene…
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Virginia Joint Resolution 728 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Virginia Joint Resolution 728 Advertisement In the 1850 census, Virginia listed 472,528 slaves within its borders, the most of any state in the United States. Slavery was the backbone of the state’s economy, as it was in most of the other Southern agrarian states, states that would eventually split off from the Unites States to…