Government and History
Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress
October 14, 1977
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Approved by the National Assembly of France, August 26, 1789
Frederick Douglass: My Escape from Slavery
In the first narrative of my experience in slavery, written nearly forty years ago, and in various writings since, I have given the public what I considered very good reasons for withholding the manner of my escape.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.
Manifesto of the Communist Party
A spectre is haunting Europe -- the spectre of Communism.
The Bill of Rights
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for...
The Constitution of the United States of America
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our poster...
The Declaration of Independence
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature...
The Emancipation Proclamation
Whereas on the 22nd day of September, A.D. 1862, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:
The Magna Carta (the Great Charter)
John, by the grace of God, king of England, lord of Ireland, duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and count of Anjou, to the archbishop, bishops, abbots, earls, barons, justiciaries, foresters, sheriffs, stewards, servants, and to all his bailiffs and ...
The Mayflower Compact
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presen...
The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was expressed during President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress, December 2, 1823:
The Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
France declared war against Great Britain and Holland early in April, 1793. President Washington called a special cabinet meeting, which resulted in this declaration of neutrality.
Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pl...
Washington's Farewell Address (1796)
Friends and Fellow Citizens: The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the executive government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the pers...