The Archive
The Constitution of the United States
The supreme law of the United States of America, establishing the national government and fundamental laws of the republic.
The 27 Amendments to the Constitution
A complete collection of the ratified changes and additions to the U.S. Constitution, from the 1791 Bill of Rights to the 27th Amendment in 1992.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which define the specific guarantees of personal freedoms and rights.
The Mayflower Compact
The 1620 agreement signed by 41 male passengers of the Mayflower, establishing a "civil body politic" and the first framework of self-governance in New England.
Common Sense
The 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for independence from Great Britain to the people of the Thirteen Colonies.
The Declaration of Independence
Adopted in 1776, this foundational document formally declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.