Declaration of Independence
Text of the Declaration of Independence written and read in Philadelphia in June and July 1776 by the delegates to the Second Continental Congress.

Articles of Confederation
Text of the Articles ratified in Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Articles of Confederation - Background Information
From ParkNet, read how the Articles of Confederation governed the United States from the final years of the war, through the peace negotiations, and into the early years of nationhood.

Constitution of the United States
Text of the U.S. Constitution. Philadelphia was where secret deliberations and hard compromises resulted in a new form of government to hold the country together.

Cultural Impact of the Founding Documents
From ParkNet, America's founding documents provided the framework for a unique form of government, which today continue to influence and inspire people around the world.

Constitution of the United States - Background Information
From ParkNet an excellent history of the events surrounding the writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Declaration of Independence - Background Information
From ParkNet an excellent history of the events surrounding the issuance of the Declaration of Independence.