University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Law Library: Federalist Papers
The complete text of the 85 Federalist Papers which explained why the authors believed the new Constitution should be ratified.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Virginia Plan (1787)
Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Treaty of Ghent (1814)
Access a full-page scan of a page from the 1814 Treaty of Ghent, a transcription, and background information on its significance.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Federalist Papers, No. 10 & No. 51
This site presents the full document of the Federalist Papers, No. 10 & No. 51. Content includes information about the document and the full text of the document. This is No. 10. Scroll to the lower part of the page for a link to No....
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: The War of 1812: America's First Declared War [Pdf]
Article discusses the War of 1812 as America's first declared war and what that meant for the future of the U.S. Includes questions for discussion and small group activity.
Discovering Lewis & Clark
Discovering Lewis & Clark: The Louisiana Purchase
Website detailing the events leading up to the Louisiana Purchase and the actual deal that took place.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Kentucky and Virginia Resolution
Historical text of the the Kentucky and Virginia Resolution written in 1798 by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The resolution was written as a protest to the Sedition Act.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: James Madison & the War of 1812
Article on James Madison's presidency including comprehensive material on the War of 1812.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Civil War Introduction
Article introducing the Civil War. The author provides background information on the debates between the North and South eventually leading to war.
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights I
This is the first PDF in a four-part series on the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the history and chronology of the passage of the Bill of Rights. Vivid pictures, primary source documents, and a timeline are provided. [PDF]
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress and Bill of Rights in History and Today
Students will understand the origin of the Bill of Rights by studying primary sources tracing the development of these amendments. Students will gain an understanding of basic rights and discuss possible additions to the Bill of Rights...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iia
Ths is the second PDF is in the series Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists on questions surrounding passage of the Bill of Rights. Short biographies, pictures,...
PBS
Pbs Liberty!: Congress Adds a Bill of Rights
Informative site recounting the events of December 15, 1791, when the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Learn about the Bill of Rights and the freedoms it was designed to protect!
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The Constitutional Convention of 1787
One word can sum up the Constitutional Convention of 1787 - compromise. Find out which compromises were made and by which groups of people and/or states. This expansive site includes background on the convention, primary source...
Virginia History Series
Virginia History Series: Virginia Antebellum (1800 1860) [Pdf]
From 1800-1860, America went through rapid growth and development. View this slideshow to see pictures, charts, maps,primary source documents and a detailed timeline of Virginia during the Antebellum Era.
Yale University
Library of Congress: The Federalist Papers, No.41
This is a copy of Federalist Paper No. 41, authored by James Madison, in which he clearly defines the need to identify and restrain the power of the general government and then addresses the need to distribute that power among the branches.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Articles of Confederation
A copy of the original Articles of Confederation presented by Yale Law School. Includes Thomas Jefferson's written discussion on the Articles of Confederation plus early drafts.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Madison Debates
Read online from James Madison's report of William Patterson's proposal of the New Jersey Plan at the Federal Convention, 1787. Link to related document: Articles of Confederation as related specifically to each proposal in the New...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: James Madison Debates the Bill of Rights
Lesson from the National Humanities Center explores the doubts, concerns, and misgivings surrounding the development of the Bill of Rights. Primary or secondary sources, text analysis and Close reading strategies, background notes, and...
Library of Congress
Loc: The James Madison Papers
A collection of letters, personal notes, and correspondences by James Madison. The documents date from 1723 to 1836 and describe the life as the man came to be known as the "Father of the Constitution",
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Alien and Sedition Acts
A great description of the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798. See how the Federalists tried to hang on to power by restricting voting privileges and infringing on free speech and freedom of the press.
US National Archives
National Archives and Records Administration: Founders Online
This site provides the texts of nearly 200,000 historical documents related to six Founding Fathers, including the papers of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. The...
Claremont Institute
Founding.com: James Madison
A collection of speeches, letters and other documents written by James Madison.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Madison: Campaigns and Elections
Scroll through this article to find an account of the election of 1812 in which James Madison was running as the first war president.