Constituting America
Articles of Confederation
First constitution of the United States of America ratified by the 13 original states, 1781
United States Constitution
Founding document that details the framework of the government of the United States of America, 1787
The US Bill of Rights
The first ten Amendments to the United States Constitution
The Congress of the Confederation
George Washington, Circular Letter to the States (1783)
George Washington’s letter reflecting on America’s newly won independence and advising that the United States strengthen its federal government.
Notes on Ancient and Modern Confederacies, 1786
James Madison’s historical and philosophical research on confederation governments.
The Northwest Ordinances (1784; 1785; 1787)
1787 ordinance passed by the Confederation Congress to govern the territories and admit new states to the Union
Vices of the Political System of the United States (1787)
James Madison’s account of the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation.
In Convention
Madison's Notes on the Constitutional Convention
Founder James Madison’s notes from the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia, 1787
The Hamilton Plan (1787)
Alexander Hamilton’s plan for national government proposed to the Constitutional Convention in June 1787.
Madison's Resolution for Amendments to the Constitution
James Madison’s original proposal for the amendments that would later become the Bill of Rights.
The Pinckney Plan (1787)
A plan for government proposed at the Constitutional Convention by delegate Charles Pinckney.
Record of Proceedings in Convention
Notes and reflections from delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention as compiled by historian Max Farrand.
The Virginia Plan
A plan of government presented by the Virginia delegates at the Constitutional Convention.
Notes of Rufus King in the Federal Convention of 1787
Rufus King’s notes on the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention.
Notes of the Secret Debates of the Federal Convention of 1787, Taken by the Late Hon Robert Yates, Chief Justice of the State of New York, and one of the Delegates from that State to the Said Convention
Robert Yates’ notes on the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention
Papers of Dr James McHenry on the Federal Convention of 1787
Dr. James McHenry’s notes on the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention.
Notes of Major William Pierce (Georgia) in the Federal Convention of 1787
William Pierce’s notes on the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention.
Notes of William Paterson in the Federal Convention of 1787
William Paterson’s notes on the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention.
The Delegates to the Federal Convention, their Credentials and Attendance
Attendance information about delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
Supplementary Records of Proceedings in Convention
Documents written by delegates to the convention, speeches delivered in state ratifying conventions, and writings related to many early sessions of Congress as compiled by historian Max Farrand.
Notes of Alexander Hamilton in the Federal Convention of 1787
Alexander Hamilton’s notes from the Constitutional Convention.
The Committee of Detail Report
The Committee of Detail’s first draft of the United States Constitution.
Farrand's Records of the Constitutional Convention
Max Farrand’s multivolume series containing documentary records of the Constitutional Convention, 1913
Debating Ratification
The Federalist Papers
Series of essays arguing for the ratification of the United States Constitution, 1787-1788
Forming the Government
The Proposed Bill of Rights
The twelve amendments to the Constitution passed by the First US Congress and submitted to the state legislatures for ratification.
Commentaries on the US Constitutional Regime
A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the United States
John Adams’ defense of American state constitutions and a broader reflection on the principles and practice of self-government.
Kent, Commentaries on American Law (1826 Though 1830)
James Kent’s study of the sources and development of American law up to 1830.
Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States (1833)
Joseph Story’s commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, 1833
James Wilson's Lectures on Law (1789 to 1791)
James Wilson’s lectures explaining the history and philosophy behind the United States Constitution.
Messages and Papers of the Presidents
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