The Will of the People: Readings in American Democracy
Table of contents
The Federalist Papers
The Federalist No. 10 – James Madison
The Federalist No. 51 – Alexander Hamilton or James Madison
The Federalist No. 78 – Alexander Hamilton
Constitution of the United States of America
Farewell Address – George Washington
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, Seneca Falls Convention
Emancipation Proclamation – Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg Address – Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address – Abraham Lincoln
Address to the First Annual Meeting of the American Equal Rights Association – Sojourner Truth
The United States of America v. Susan B. Anthony
Let America Be America Again – Langston Hughes
Letter from Birmingham Jail – Martin Luther King Jr.
Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
Adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, this document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the freedom of the 13 colonies from British rule. As the first formal statement by an organized body of people declaring their right to self-rule, it has had worldwide influence.
"The Slaves Who Freed Our Founders" Mary Ann French
"The Price of 'Independence': $8.1 million" Kris Axtman
"Declaring Independence" Pauline Maier
The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)
In a series of newspaper essays, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison sought to persuade their readers to support the proposed Constitution during the struggle over ratification.
– The Federalist No. 10 – James Madison
In this essay, Madison considers the violence of opposing factions among the people to be a chief danger to democracy, and explains how the proposed Constitution is unique in diffusing this threat without compromising liberty.
"How Small Groups Sway a Large Decision" Marjorie Coeyman
"Fuller, Fairer Elections? How?" Rob Richie
– The Federalist No. 51 – Alexander Hamilton or James Madison
This essay, authored by either Hamilton or Madison, discusses the separation of powers between the different branches of government, as well as arguing that the "great variety" of interests and sects in American society will protect the civil rights of all.
– The Federalist No. 78 – Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton describes the role of the judicial branch of government, emphasizing how the permanent tenure of judges will help maintain their independent interpretation of the nation's laws.
"New Turn in Debate Over Judges for Life" Kris Axtman
"What Would the Founding Fathers Say?" N. Lee Cooper
"Justified or Pernicious Limits? New Judicial Curbs Draw Fire" Robert Marquand
"Judges Fret over 'Attack' on Independent Bench" Robert Marquand
"The Power of Judicial Review" Charlotte Saikowski
"Watchdogs Help Keep Judicial Corruption in Check" George B. Merry
Constitution of the United States of America
The principal founding document of the United States, the Constitution defines the structure of the government and the basis of federal lawmaking. Far more than an initial blueprint, it is the primary working plan for the nation.
Farewell Address – George Washington
This address to the American people marked the end of Washington's two terms of office. As one of the Founding Fathers of the new nation and the first president of the United States, Washington was in a unique position to offer advice on what course to follow.
"How a Presidential Speech is Crafted" Rod MacLeish
"Great Presidents and the National Idea" Everett Carll Ladd
"Reading Between Rhetorical Lines" Thomas V. DiBacco
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, Seneca Falls Convention
This document, patterned on the Declaration of Independence, launched the women's suffrage movement in the United States, calling on women to secure the rights denied to them.
"Divine Rights"
"Women's Rights 150 Years Later" Linda Feldmann
"National Park Honors Home of Women's Rights" Susan G. Butruille
Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincoln
When President Lincoln issued the proclamation in his role as commander in chief, he raised the level of the Civil War to a crusade for human freedom. The event opened the way to recruiting freed slaves into the Union army.
"Juneteenth" Lucas E. Morel
"How Lincoln Finally Made Up His Mind" Donald E. Harpster
"Ambitious Abe" Thomas V. DiBacco
Gettysburg Address – Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln delivered this address to dedicate a national cemetery at the battlefield where Union and Confederate forces had fought the previous July. Losses in the Battle of Gettysburg, which was considered the turning point in the Civil War, were among the heaviest of the war.
"How Lincoln Finally Made Up His Mind" Donald E. Harpster
"Abe's Address for the Ages" Gabor S. Boritt
"Following in the Footsteps of Abraham Lincoln" Kathleen Brady
Second Inaugural Address – Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln gave this speech in March 1865, near the beginning of his second term in office and very near the end of the American Civil War.
Address to the First Annual Meeting of the American Equal Rights Association Sojourner Truth
Truth was born into slavery about 1797 and gained her freedom in 1828. Although illiterate, she was an inspiring speaker and became a leading abolitionist and feminist.
The United States of America v. Susan B. Anthony
This court case commenced after Anthony voted for a candidate to represent New York in Congress, in the November 1872 election. At the time, women were prohibited from voting in U.S. elections.
Let America Be America Again – Langston Hughes
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Langston Hughes, an African American poet and social critic, was one of the world's principal interpreters of the African American experience in the United States during the decade before World War II and the subsequent civil rights movement.
"Langston Hughes Set Poetry to a Jazz Beat" Elizabeth Lund
"Biography Fills Gaps in Our Knowledge of Poet Langston Hughes" Sam Cornish
Letter from Birmingham Jail – Martin Luther King Jr.
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King wrote this letter after his arrest while leading attempts to desegregate local lunch counters as part of the larger civil rights movement in the American South. Although it responds directly to a letter from a group of local clergy advising restraint and accommodation, King's letter also spells out his broader vision of the religious and political grounds underlying his strategy of civil disobedience as a means to gain just ends.
"If You Stood at Lincoln's Feet" Richard J. Cattani
"What Clinton Owes to Martin Luther King" Fred Powledge