WRITINGS OF THE FOUNDERS

  • George Washington: Inaugural Address
    Delivered before the First Constitutional Congress in New York City on April 30, 1789. "[T]he propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."

  • The Writings of George Washington
    The University of Virginia collection of the Papers of George Washington.

  • Thomas Jefferson: Inaugural Address
    Delivered on Wednesday, March 4, 1801. "Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. . . every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle."

  • The Papers of Thomas Jefferson
    The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress.

  • The Writings of Thomas Jefferson
    Collection of the works of Thomas Jefferson.

  • Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Politics and Government
    "With over 2,700 excerpts from Jefferson's writings arranged by topic, this site provides a fair statement of the complete political philosophy of Thomas Jefferson."

  • The Writings of John Adams
    Collection of the works of John Adams.

  • John Adams: "Thoughts on Government"
    Published in 1776. This widely circulated pamplet was very inflential in the early constitution-making period.

  • The Writings of James Madison
    Collection of the works of James Madison.

  • Great Quotations of James Madison
    Significant Quotes from the writings of James Madison.

  • Benjamin Franklin: "Speech for Adoption of the Constitution"
    Delivered September 17, 1787 at the Constitutional Convention, Franklin's practical & inspired remarks moved the delegates to set aside remaining differences and sign the Constitution that day.

  • The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
    The complete autobiography of America's world-renowned statesman, educator and inventor. "A literary masterpiece."

  • The Writings of Samuel Adams
    Collection of the works of Samuel Adams.

  • The Works of Abraham Lincoln
    "[T]his nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

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