The Constitution of the United States of America and Selected Writings of the Founding Fathers

by Various

America’s Founding Fathers were not just statesmen—they were intellectuals who knew the importance of their ideas and how best to communicate them to the American public. In the speeches and addresses they made, and in the editorials, essays, and pamphlets they published, we see them expressing the principles by which they wished to define their new nation, and reaching consensus about the best form of government that would endure and sustain the republic well beyond their own time. Much of what they spoke and wrote gave rise to the laws by which American is still governed today.

This volume collects more than forty documents that played a crucial role in spurring the revolt of the thirteen original colonies against their mother country, England, and forging those colonies into the United States of America, a new country whose people shared common goals and interests manifested in the government they had created to uphold the laws of their republic. In these documents, we see the articulation, evolution, and refinement of the democratic ideals by which America is recognized.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Classics, Reference, American History

826 pages, Leather Bound

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Various is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).

If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.

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Reviews

[Alexis Rudman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by Honors seniors (12th graders) in both public and private high schools throughout the United States. Most young people do not know enough about the history of our Country so when they go to vote, they know very little about what they are voting for or against. Many 21-year-olds on college campuses and elsewhere just choose the candidate that they "like", as though having a drink with him or her would be fun. Another reason they might choose a candidate is to get free things, like college tuition. Neither of these points are what is most important in a President and Commander in Chief or any other politician. The words of the brilliant political scientist, historian and politician, Alexis de Tocqueville, on the subject of "government freebies" were as follows: "The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the people with their own money." Furthermore, it is most important that we preserve the Constitution and the Founders Intent. As Daniel Webster, the man who wrote the American English Dictionary, once said, "Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. If the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world."

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always amazing to read what those who came before us had to say about the country they knew and what they put in place for the country we have today.

[Robert Talada · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of writings by the founding fathers. The constitution of the United States actually takes up a very small portion of the book.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that everyone should own a physical copy of. Not just for the sake of protect from the age of digital insanity, but also because this book combines the most important documents of our nation’s founding with a plethora of other writings from the time that are immensely helpful in gaining a correct understanding of said documents.
One of the most prevalent problems of our age is that we read our founding documents according to our times and our worldviews and then go on to insist that the Founders themselves thought the same things and viewed things in the same way as we do! But, thanks be to God, we have the actual writings of all these men and they were prolific in sharing their thoughts and opinions on all matters pertaining to our nation so, with a book like, you can actually go and gain a TRUE understanding of exactly what they intended, what they thought, and WHY they thought it.
Invaluable!

Favorite Quote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer solider and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that they harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain to cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its good; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be hight rated.” Thomas Paine The American Crisis

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read. You American History and Political Science education is incomplete until you read this.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The edition I have has the 2016 presidential nomination acceptance speech of Hilary Clinton. I don't know why. Other than that every other document had great historical value.

[Chad Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the writings of the founding fathers in one volume

[Abraham Stillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent if you are interested in the founding of our nation, as well as a rudimentary understanding of the way the laws of this country were designed for the citizens of the United States.

[Bridger Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Will review at a later date)

[Danny Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are essential documents for every American. It brings our current culture and political life into sharp focus. You see where we still have a foundation of ideals and constitutional values and where we have diverted. The character, both good and bad, are seen from the very beginning. You see that federalism and states rights isn't a new debate, but has been there from the very beginning. You see the incredible genius and the flaws of our system. All Americans should read this entire volume.

[Jason Pierce]

Links go to my reviews.

On the Resolution to Put the Commonwealth into a State of Defence (aka Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" speech), read many times, ★★★★★
Declaration of Independence, read almost annually, ★★★★★
The Constitution of the United States, read several times, ★★★★★
George Washington's Farewell Address, 9/19/16, ★★★✰✰
Common Sense, 1/10/26, ★★★★★

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for everyone.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great compilation of writings and speeches from the Founding Fathers.
If you've ever found yourself wondering, "What were they thinking?" I recommend you start here!

[Jane Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Americans should be familiar with our Constitution and this is a good start.