Learn about the United States' founding documents, known together as the Charters of Freedom.
The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights established the government’s structure and continue to secure the rights of American citizens.
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that the American colonies were separating from British rule, and detailed the reasons. On July 4, 1776, Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence, marking July 4 as Independence Day. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, drafted the document in 17 days.
U.S. Constitution
The Constitution of the United States set up the foundation of the U.S. government, including its purpose and structure. The Constitutional Convention adopted the Constitution on September 17, 1787.
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments (changes) to the U.S. Constitution. It guarantees greater protection for individual freedoms and lists specific limits on government power. The Constitution has 27 amendments in all.
LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023
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America's Historical Documents
- Declaration of Independence.
- Articles of Confederation.
- The Constitution.
- Bill of Rights.
- Louisiana Purchase.
- List of Lewis's Purchases.
- District of Columbia Emancipation.
- Emancipation Proclamation.
The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights established the government's structure and continue to secure the rights of American citizens.
Which historical document do you feel was the biggest influence on the founding fathers? ›
But perhaps the greatest influence of Magna Carta on the Founding Fathers was their collective understanding that in drafting the U.S. Constitution they were attempting to create a Magna Carta for a new era. “They knew exactly what they were doing,” says Kaminski.
How do I know if my copy of the Declaration of Independence is real? ›
If there are any printed marks at the top or bottom that include copyright or dating, or a printed location (ie the National Archives) that would be proof that it is a reproduction.
What are the 4 major documents? ›
U.S. Founding Documents
- The Constitution. Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the U.S. Constitution is the world's longest surviving written charter of government.
- Declaration of Independence. ...
- Bill of Rights. ...
- Federalist Papers.
In History the key concepts are sources, evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, significance, perspectives, empathy and contestability.
What is the most famous document in the world? ›
Declaration of Independence
Of all the documents of American history, this is the most celebrated and its influence stretches far beyond America.
What document was written in 1776? ›
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it.
Is God mentioned in the Constitution? ›
While the U.S. Constitution does not mention God, nearly all state constitutions reference either God or the divine, according to a 2017 analysis. God also appears in the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and on U.S. currency.
Which document did most colonists view as the most important revolutionary document? ›
The Declaration of Independence, 1776.
Clause 40 said: 'To no one shall we sell, delay or deny right or justice'. Before the making of Magna Carta the king had been able to do pretty well whatever he liked – and did. After the making of the Charter he was subject to the law like everyone else.
How much is a 1776 Declaration of Independence worth? ›
Probably the most common question we get in the Americana department is “I found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—is it worth anything?” The short answer: it's worth somewhere between zero and ten million dollars.
How much is an original copy of the Constitution worth? ›
Editor's Note: This article was updated with the final sale price and other details following the auction's conclusion. An exceptionally rare first-edition printed copy of the US Constitution fetched $43.2 million in New York on Thursday, becoming the most expensive historical document ever to sell at auction.
How many original copies of the Declaration of Independence still exist today? ›
Original copies are extremely rare: Only about two dozen survive, most of them held by institutions in the U.S. and a few by British institutions and private individuals. The Library of Congress holds two copies.
What were the six documents used to help write the Constitution? ›
Research the background of the 6 historical documents: The Magna Carta, The Charters of the Virginia Company of London, The Virginia Declaration of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, and The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
What are 5 primary sources of historical information? ›
Primary sources
- diaries, correspondence, ships' logs.
- original documents e.g. birth certificates, trial transcripts.
- biographies, autobiographies, manuscripts.
- interviews, speeches, oral histories.
- case law, legislation, regulations, constitutions.
- government documents, statistical data, research reports.
Historical documents, also known as primary sources, are most often produced around the time of the events you are studying and provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art.
What are the oldest documents in history? ›
The earliest confirmed form of writing is recorded on a limestone tablet, known as the Kish tablet, which dates to around 3,500 BCE. The tablet was found on the site of an ancient Sumerian city called Kish, which is located in modern-day Iraq.
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