The website brings together the papers of six of the nation’s Founders (Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and Hamilton) into one searchable database. The site has taken the content produced by teams of historians and documentary editors who have worked for many years to transcribe and annotate thousands of primary source documents from hundreds of sources and publish them. The website combines all these document transcriptions and annotations into one free online resource.
Nike v. Kasky (2003)
Are statements issued by a Nike, Inc. considered commercial speech or protected speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
Congress at Work: The Presidential Veto and Congressional Veto Override Process
Students will use a facsimile of a vetoed bill and veto message to understand the veto and veto override process in Congress. Referring to the Constitution, students will match the Constitution’s directions to the markings and language of the bill and veto message. Students will then investigate motives for using the veto and override powers, and how the powers reflect the Constitution’s checks and balances.
Congress at Work: The Legislative Process
Students will analyze documents created by Congress to identify steps in the legislative process.
Constitutional Index – Sundays Excepted Clause
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.
Owasso v. Falvo (2002)
Does the practice of peer grading violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.
America’s Founding Documents at the National Archives
Read about the history of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—the Charters of Freedom—from the National Archives, the permanent home of these founding documents. Download high resolution images, read transcripts, and review all 27 amendments.
Parents Involved v. Seattle (2007)
Does the Equal Protection Clause forbid school districts from using a race-conscious student assignment plan to promote racial integration? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.
Congress Creates the Bill of Rights
Within the half-billion pages of records in the care of the Center for Legislative Archives, there are some special treasures from the First Congress that show how the ratification of the Constitution necessitated the creation of the Bill of Rights, and how the creation of the Bill of Rights, in turn, completed the Constitution. This remarkable story is told in Congress Creates the Bill of Rights, which consists of a mobile app, an ebook, and online resources for teachers and students.
PGA Tour v. Martin (2001)
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to participants in athletic competitions held in places of public accommodation? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2001.