These journals from the Continental Congress of the United States will provide students with a greater understanding of the foundations of American government as established in the late 18th century. Includes handwritten documents by...

Selected documents written by the Continental Congress in the late eighteenth century. Covers actions passed and resolved on preparation for war with Britain, George Washington's appointment as Commander-in-Chief, Articles of War against...

Here one can view the five volumes of The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, which were put together by Jonathan Elliot in the mid-1800s. These debates extend from September 1787 to...

Link directly to hypertext versions of the minutes recorded at the First and Second Continental Congresses. Included are the words of the various factions within the Congresses and the final resolutions that were passed, and then sent to...

From the Journals of the Continental Congress, dated July 4, 1776 in which students can read the exact words which were read to the delegates at the Continental Congress, listing the grievances against the King of England.

This site provides the full text of the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress, October 1774.

A detailed description of the events and issues at the Second Continental Congress in 1775 in Philadelphia. Excerpt is from "Our Country" published in 1877.

Three of the four volumes of Max Farrand's collection of the records of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Called The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, these documents are a critical part of American governmental history.

This Yale Law School project posts outcomes of the First Continental Congress. Contains the actual text of the declarations and resolves written by the First Continental Congress.

The original and complete text of the letter approved by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787 recommending the newly adopted U.S. Constitution to the Congress and the states for ratification.

The complete text of the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms" written by Thomas Jefferson and Colonel John Dickinson and approved by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775 to communicate and explain their...

Contains the primary text of the resolutions against the Stamp Act sent to King George III.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states " Congress...

Direct online access to the basic Federal Government documents that define our democratic society, a core group of current and historical Government publications.

The complete text of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, ratified July 6,1775.

Text of The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies with which the Continental Congress declares independence from Britain. Original wording.

See a copy of George Washington's diary, written in his own hand, which describes the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. From a collection in the Library of Congress.

Features the history behind the document that "shaped the course of American history" and gave Americans their independence. Includes many supporting original documents and teacher resources.

A good biography of John Jay's extensive political efforts for U.S. throughout his life.

This online collection of Thomas Jefferson resources includes texts, quotations, and bibliographies, along with documents which were written either by or to Jefferson.

The Our Documents group presents information on the Articles of Confederation, including its history, an enlarged image of the document, and a printer-friendly version of the text. Includes PDFs (require Adobe Reader).

This is a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

The Our Documents group offers information on Richard Henry Lee's 1776 resolution proposing colonial independence. See the original document, read the transcript, and download a printer-friendly version.

This extensive exhibition offers observations on various facets of Franklin's life, as well as his writing and other accomplishments.