Documents of American Democracy

How has the U.S. Constitution stayed relevant even though the world has changed so much since it was written? Readers discover the answer as they learn fascinating facts about the document that set up the U.S. government, as we know it today. The informative main text is presented alongside helpful graphic organizers and detailed sidebars. Readers also learn about the U.S. Constitution by exploring carefully selected primary sources. They even get to study images of the original document itself. This creative approach to American history allows readers to see familiar social studies curriculum topics in an engaging, new light.

President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was much more than just a series of words on a page-it was a document that promised freedom for those living in the United States as slaves. The history behind the Emancipation Proclamation is presented to readers in a way that sheds new light on this common social studies curriculum topic. While the clear main text and informative sidebars provide fascinating facts about this document, readers also gain valuable information from graphic organizers and historical images. Many of these images are primary sources, including the text of the Emancipation Proclamation itself.

Before there was the U.S. Constitution, there were the Articles of Confederation. Readers discover the story behind the first written constitution of the United States-from the factors that inspired its creation to the reasons why it was replaced. The detailed main text is enhanced by informative sidebars and graphic organizers. Historical images, including relevant primary sources, allow readers to immerse themselves in this historical period. Readers are given the chance to thoroughly examine elements of the original document, making them feel like true historians. They're sure to enjoy this fresh take on common social studies curriculum topics.

The Bill of Rights is a foundational document in American history that's still being analyzed and debated today. Readers gain a better understanding of these first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution through accessible text designed to reflect essential social studies curriculum topics. The main text is accompanied by fact-filled sidebars and eye-catching graphic organizers. Readers will have fun exploring historical images relevant to this topic, including parts of the Bill of Rights itself. Careful analysis of this landmark democratic document will guide readers in gaining a deeper understanding of American independence and equality.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and a new nation was born. Readers discover the power behind this document through clear main text and engaging sidebars. Eye-catching graphic organizers provide additional information, including a thorough explanation of the document's most important parts. Primary sources, including the Declaration of Independence itself, are included to help readers practice analyzing historical images. As readers turn each page, they'll see important social studies curriculum topics presented in an exciting way, reflecting the power words have to change the world.

The Mayflower Compact was the first written framework for a government set up in the United States. Readers explore the history of this document through accessible main text, graphic organizers, and sidebars. Historical images, including carefully selected primary sources, allow readers to gain a stronger understanding of the events surrounding the signing of the Mayflower Compact. Images of the original document are also included, along with a detailed breakdown of its most important parts. This document-based approach to American history gives readers a stronger understanding of a variety of social studies curriculum topics and analytical skills.