Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Angelica Schuyler Church Writes to Thomas Jefferson from London, 1788
A chatty letter discussing personal as well as political matters in London and the United States
Supporting 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
Lafayette on the Ratification of the US Constitution, 1788
Letter discussing the Society of the Cincinnati and support for the US Constitution
Supporting 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
Petition over Enslavement of Free Black People, 1788
Protest urging Massachusetts to intervene in the abduction of free Black Bostonians
Supporting 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
George Washington’s Reluctance to Become President, 1789
A letter by Washington reflecting on the uncertain future and the inevitability of his election to the presidency
Supporting Document
Gouverneur Morris on the Liberty of France, 1789
A report on the rumblings of revolution in France
Supporting Document