Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Antifederalist No. 1, 1787
An early critique of the proposed Constitution, arguing the dangers of a centralized government and advocating state sovereignty
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 9, 1787
A critique of the proposed Constitution, expressing concerns over centralized power and the potential threat of an elite ruling class
Key Document
Federalist No. 10, 1787
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, addressing the dangers of factionalism and promoting the strengths of a large republic
Key Document
Federalist No. 84, 1788
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, focusing on Antifederalist concerns about the need for a Bill of Rights
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 84, 1788
An expression of Antifederalists desire for a Bill of Rights in the US Constitution
Key Document
United States Constitution, 1788
A unique framework for a new government based on the idea of the consent of the governed
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 46, 1788
An expression of Antifederalists’ concerns over federal power and the potential for tyranny in the proposed US Constitution
Key Document
Federalist No. 51, 1788
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, providing insight into the different branches of government, particularly the importance of checks and balances and the separation of powers
Key Document
Thomas Jefferson on Manumitting Slaves, 1789
Letter sent from Paris reflecting on freeing slaves—revealing his conflicting beliefs on liberty and equality amid the revolution
Supporting Document
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, 1789
Autobiography detailing Olaudah Equiano’s enslavement, his journey to freedom, and fight against the slave trade
Key Document
Bill of Rights, 1791
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution—hard-fought additions that protect some individual liberties and limit government power
Key Document
Hamilton-Burr Duel, 1804
A fatal confrontation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that stemmed from political and personal animosities and shaped American political history
Event