Ratified in 1788 as the supreme law of the land, the Constitution of the United States of America is the single most important document in American history. The essential American documents collected in this volume span four centuries and include, in addition to the Constitution and its amendments, the Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty" speech, George Washington's farewell address, Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience," America's declaration of war following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and numerous presidential inaugural addresses. This special edition features an elegantly designed cover and a durable flexible binding. It is an indispensable addition to any home history library.