Foundational Documents of American Greatness

Declaration of Independence (1776)

The Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. It articulated the fundamental principles of liberty, equality, and the right to self-governance, laying the ideological foundation for the new nation.

United States Constitution (1787)

The Constitution established the framework for the federal government and outlined the powers and responsibilities of its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. It also provided a system of checks and balances and has served as the supreme law of the United States since its ratification.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, guarantee essential liberties and protections to American citizens, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to a fair trial.

The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the Federalist Papers argued for the ratification of the Constitution. They provided a detailed explanation of the proposed government's structure and functions, significantly influencing the understanding and interpretation of the Constitution.

Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

Issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. It redefined the war's purpose, transforming it into a fight for human liberation and paving the way for the abolition of slavery.

Gettysburg Address (1863)

President Abraham Lincoln's brief but profound speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg emphasized the principles of human equality and the need for national unity. It redefined the Civil War as a struggle not only for the Union but also for the principle of equality.

Civil Rights Act (1964)

This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination, becoming a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and advancing the cause of equality in the United States.

Homestead Act (1862)

Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, the Homestead Act encouraged westward expansion by providing settlers with 160 acres of public land in exchange for a small filing fee and the requirement to improve the land. It significantly shaped the development and settlement of the American West.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A cornerstone of American foreign policy, the Monroe Doctrine, declared by President James Monroe, warned European powers against further colonization or intervention in the Western Hemisphere. It asserted the United States' sphere of influence in the Americas and shaped its foreign policy for decades.

Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803)

The agreement between the United States and France, in which the U.S. acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory west of the Mississippi River, doubled the size of the nation and facilitated its westward expansion.

Marshall Plan (1948)

Officially known as the European Recovery Program, the Marshall Plan was an American initiative to aid Western Europe's economic recovery after World War II. It provided over $12 billion in economic assistance, helping to rebuild European economies, prevent the spread of communism, and strengthen U.S.-European relations.

Social Security Act (1935)

Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Social Security Act created a social insurance program that provides retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. It established a safety net for Americans and remains a fundamental component of the U.S. social welfare system.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

The Voting Rights Act aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, primarily in the Southern states. It prohibited literacy tests and other discriminatory practices, significantly increasing voter registration and participation among African Americans and other minority groups.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

This landmark Supreme Court decision legalized abortion nationwide, ruling that a woman's right to choose an abortion was protected by the constitutional right to privacy. The decision has had profound social and political implications and remains a contentious issue in American society.

Title IX (1972)

Part of the Education Amendments, Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It has had a significant impact on promoting gender equality in education and athletics.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and mandates accessibility in public accommodations, transportation, and communications.

Affordable Care Act (2010)

Also known as Obamacare, the ACA aimed to increase health insurance coverage and affordability. It implemented significant reforms in the healthcare system, including expanding Medicaid, establishing health insurance exchanges, and prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)

A component of the Affordable Care Act, this legislation included provisions to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. It emphasized preventive care, expanded healthcare access, and introduced measures to curb healthcare fraud and abuse.

No Child Left Behind Act (2001)

This education reform law aimed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. It increased accountability for schools, provided more flexibility for states in using federal education funds, and emphasized reading and math skills.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010)

Enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis, Dodd-Frank aimed to prevent future economic crises by increasing regulation and oversight of the financial industry. It established new government agencies tasked with overseeing various aspects of the financial system and protecting consumers.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Passed in the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Patriot Act expanded the government's surveillance and investigative powers to combat terrorism. It has had significant implications for civil liberties and privacy rights in the United States.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964)

This amendment prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections, removing a significant barrier to voting for many African Americans and low-income individuals.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971)

This amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, expanding the electorate and recognizing the maturity and contributions of younger citizens, especially in the context of the Vietnam War.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

This landmark Supreme Court decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, recognizing that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

In this significant Supreme Court case, the Court struck down sodomy laws in Texas and invalidated similar laws in other states, making same-sex sexual activity legal across the United States. This ruling was a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights and privacy.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act (2010)

This act repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation.