Education Home | U.S. Documents | Supreme Court | International | More » U.S. Documents The following is a list of important United States documents. Be sure to visit this site often because we are always adding more documents to our archives. Albany Plan of Union Leave it to Benjamin Franklin, arguably the most foward thinking man of his day, to propose the first joining of the English Colonies in North America. Although his Albany Plan of Union was never enacted, the document did take a small, but crucial step in uniting the colonies. Articles of Confederation During and after the American war for independence, the Second Continintial Congress struggled with a way to govern the new nation. Their document, the Articles of Confederation, would prove to be a flawed but influential document to the young United States. Constitution of the United States of America The Constitution is the heart of the American government. Read the document in its entirity, or skim through important passages with our Finder. Constitution of the Confederate States of America At the darkest time in America's history a new government formed in the pro-slavery south. Read the states' rights manifesto that would ultimently lead to the demise of the South and slavery. Declaration of Independence In 1776, after years of oppression from the English king, the Second Continential Congress sent a declaration severing America's ties with the British government. George Washington's Farewell Address The quintessential American President, George Washington, relates his views and hopes for the new American nation after completing his influential and tasteful Presidency. The Gettysburg Address At the turning point of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln delivered an inspiring message to his battle-weary troops at the sight of th emost deadly battle on the North American continent. Mayflower Compact Well before the Constitution and Declaration of Independence - even before the English King angered the colonists with oppresive laws - the Pilgrams created the first written government in North America with their Mayflower Compact, which was penned in 1620. The Monroe Doctrine Before the United States was the military powerhouse that it is today, its fifth President had the bravery and foresight to oppose the mighty European nations and their dreams of conquest in the Western Hemisphere. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance allows Americans to pay homage to their country in a short, consice, and memorable way. Read it here. Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem) Francis Scott Key, forever beloved for writing the Star-Spangled Banner, penned his famous poem in 1814. One hundred seventeen years later, in 1931, it would be engraved in the soul of every American when it became the national anthem of the United States. Copyright © 2002-2004 The Edward Teer Company Chapel Hill, North Carolina