This comprehensive collection showcases the chronological development of the principles upon which the United States was founded. The founding fathers are present, along with the timeless words that the rest of the free world seeks to emulate. Included in this collection: The Mayflower Compact (1620) Declaration of Rights by the Stamp Act Congress (1765) Declaration of Rights by the First Continental Congress (1774) Patrick Henry's Speech (1775) Declaration of Independence (1776) Articles of Confederation (1781) The United States Constitution (1787) The Bill of Rights (1791) Amendments XI-XXVII (1795-1992) Also included in this volume are the original Federalist essays (1788) by such noted figures as Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. The documents contained inside are a valuable resource for students of American history, within one publication ideal for both classroom use and casual reading. These pages hold information vital to all informed citizens.