The Constitution of the United States with the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation

by Founding Fathers (Introduction)

Originally drafted by the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Constitution defines the United States of America. This Greatest of American documents not only establishes our system of government; it limits the power of that government, specifying our irrevocable rights and privileges as individuals. The Constitution remains as relevant today as it was over two hundred years ago. Included in this volume are the complete texts of the Constitution of the United States of America and it amendments; the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. The book also includes an insightful introduction by R.B. Bernstein, a chronology of important dates, and an index to the Constitution.

Genres: History

112 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published December 23, 2011

About the author

The term Founding Fathers of the United States of America refers broadly to the individuals of the Thirteen British Colonies in North America who led the American Revolution against the authority of the British Crown and established the United States of America. It is also used more narrowly, referring specifically to those who either signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 or who were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and took part in drafting the proposed Constitution of the United States. A further subset includes those who signed the Articles of Confederation. During much of the 19th century, they were referred to as either the "Founders" or the "Fathers".

Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.

DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was worth a reread before it gets trampled by 🤡.

[Tori]

Seemed important to read at this moment in time. From the Declaration of Independence: “The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World...He has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us” 🤔🤔

[Wesley Whited · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some say it’s outdated. And that’s because we’ve gotten so much worse that what was once good is now looked down upon. Like slavery.

[Barbara Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadn't read these important documents word for word since my college days, so I needed a reminder.

[Robin]

I appreciated R.B. Bernstein's introduction to the documents to clarify their development, along with a chronology of key dates.