History & Documents

The History of the Constitution The United States Constitution is the oldest, written constitution that has continuously remained in effect in the world. It established the first federal form of government, as well as the first system of checks and balances. Read article.

Features

• Articles of Confederation
  Unlike our present-day Constitution, the Articles of Confederation did not provide for three separate branches of government. Even the President came from a "Committee of the States" appointed by Congress! Learn more about the Articles of Confederation and John Hanson, the first President under the Articles of Confederation.

• Federalist Papers
  The Federalist Papers are a series of articles written by James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton to help persuade the American public to support the Constitution. They cover topics ranging from the Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence to Restrictions on the Authority of the Several States.

• Founding Fathers
  This section features the biographies of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers who attended the Constitutional Convention. Learn about those delegates who helped form the young nation's new government.

• United States Constitution The blueprint for this nation's government is found in the U.S. Constitution. Included in its text are provisions for the three branches of government, and the bi-cameral legislature. This edition of the U.S. Constitution includes annotations of U.S. Supreme Court cases as of July 1, 1996.

• Patents and Copyrights The Constitution confers upon Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. Read more about the Constitutional basis of our patent and copyright laws.