The basic outline of the history concerned is well known to everyone: the question of independence itself, the debate over the form of government best suited to the fledgling republic, the substance of America's role in the realm of world politics, and the issues concerning democracy, justice, and equality here at home. The sources, however,such as those included in this volume, are less well known, and revisiting them from time to time is especially useful in revealing a spectrum of thought and opinion more complex and wide ranging than is often remembered.

The Monroe Doctrine,the cornerstone of American foreign policy; and these other landmark statements:

The Constitution of the United States

James Madison: The Federalist, No.10

George Washington: First Inaugural Address

George Washington: Farewell Address

Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address

William Lloyd Garrison: Prospectus for The Liberator

Andrew Jackson: Veto of the Bank Bill

Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address

Abraham Lincoln: Emancipation Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg Address

An introductory note precedes the text of each historic document, providing fascinating background history and information about the author. An indispensable reference for students, this handy compendium will also serve as an invaluable introduction for general readers to American political writing.

Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,

March 23, 1775

Declaration of Independence,

July 4, 1776

The Constitution of the United States,

September 17, 1787

James Madison: The Federalist, Number 10,

November 23, 1787

George Washington: First Inaugural Address,

April 30, 1789

George Washington: Farewell Address,

September 19, 1796

Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address,

March 4, 1801

James Monroe: The Monroe Doctrine,

December 2, 1823

William Lloyd Garrison: The Liberator,

January 1, 1831

Andrew Jackson: Veto of the Bank Bill,

July 10, 1832

Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address,

March 4, 1861

Abraham Lincoln: The Emancipation Proclamation,

January 1, 1863

Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Address,

November 19, 1863

Abraham Lincoln: Second Inaugural Address,

March 4, 1865