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🏛️ History & Civics Grades 5–12
Founding Documents Library
The full, original texts, not summaries. Each one has a short reading guide and questions. All are in the public domain.
Learn How it works
Reading old documents takes practice. Read a section, stop, and say in your own words what it means. Look up words like “usurpations” or “tranquility.” Then use the primary source worksheet.
Texts come from Project Gutenberg editions and the National Archives transcription of Amendments XI–XXVII. Spelling and capitalization follow the originals.
Try it Documents
The Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776 · Explains why the colonies broke from Britain, states the idea that people have unalienable rights and that governments get their power from the consent of the governed, and lists grievances against King George III.
The Constitution of the United States
Signed September 17, 1787 · Creates the federal government: Congress (Article I), the President (Article II), and the courts (Article III). It divides power among the branches and between the national government and the states.
The Bill of Rights (Amendments I–X)
Passed by Congress September 25, 1789 · Ratified December 15, 1791 · The first ten amendments, added in 1791 to protect individual liberties such as freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, and rights of people accused of crimes.
Amendments XI–XXVII
1795–1992 (text from the National Archives) · Later amendments, including the end of slavery (13th), equal protection and citizenship (14th), voting rights regardless of race (15th) and sex (19th), and the voting age of 18 (26th).
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (Bliss copy)
November 19, 1863 · Lincoln's short speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, connecting the Civil War to the founding ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
The Federalist No. 10
James Madison · November 23, 1787 · James Madison argues that a large republic is the best protection against “factions,” groups whose interests work against the rights of others or the good of the community.
The Federalist No. 51
James Madison (attributed) · February 8, 1788 · Argues that separation of powers and checks and balances protect liberty: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”
Practice Check yourself
Answer, then tap Check. You get an explanation either way.