Containing the complete and unabridged text of the original documents which founded the United States of America. 1776: Declaration of Independence Sent to leaders around the world by the thirteen original American Colonies, to proclaim their dissolution from King George III of England, and to make the United States of America her own sovereign nation. 1777: Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union Document which served as the foundation of government for the thirteen original American Colonies and is regarded as the first Constitution of the United States. 1787: Federalist Papers A series of 85 essays from the Founding Fathers, written and published to gain public support to ratify a new United States Constitution, intended to replace the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. 1787: United States Constitution 1789: Bill of Rights 1795-1992: Constitutional Amendments
