Here are some links to useful sites for studying our heritage. Share any you use that are not here;
The Founder’s Constitution: This fabulous resource is a cleanly linked, web-based version of the 5 volume set many scholars rely on for studying source documents. From the introduction; “This is an anthology of reasons and of the political arguments that thoughtful men and women drew from, and used to support, those reasons. We believe that those reasons and political arguments have enduring interest and significance for anyone who purports to think about constitutional government in general and the Constitution of the United States in particular.”
1828 American Dictionary of the English Language: Noah Webster knew the founders and knew language. When studying our heritage we must strive to understand the meaning of words as the people who wrote and spoke them believed them to be. This is a great resource for looking up words for original meaning.
The Federalist Papers: The 85 essays by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison that appeared in New York between the time the Constitution was submitted to the states and when it was finally ratified. These essays were written to convince people to support the document’s ratification in New York. The last essays actually appeared after the state voted in favor of ratification. You will find a lot more information at this well done website regarding the people who shaped America’s beginning.
The Anti-Federalist Papers: Not as well organized but just as insightful are the many essays appearing that urged opposition to ratification.
Pamphlets on the Constitution: In 1888 Paul Leicester Ford saved our history by compiling all known pamphlets written by patriots during the 1787 to 1788 time-frame. These pamphlets are written by many founders and are further essays written to either support or refute the U.S. Constitution. Many of us have studied the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers. Ford saved for us additional writings by Webster, Gerry, Lee, Mason, and others.
Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America: Perhaps no better insight into our country after 40+ years of living under the complex Federalist Republic established with the passing of the U.S. Constitution. You will enjoy seeing our country through this traveler’s eyes as he compared what he found in America with the countries of Europe, especially England and France. You will also enjoy the tour put together on this same website.
The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God: This site has so many source documents available from the founding era you will no doubt get lost in hours of enjoyment. This is my first stop when I am looking for Bastiat, Locke, Pufendorf, Blackstone, or others. You will find ‘The Law,’ and more here.
The Annotated Constitution: Cornell Law School has put together a version of the U.S. Constitution with linked annotations providing insights from their faculty and others. Although you may not agree with everything they believe it is still a very interesting resource for stirring those all important critical thinking brain cells. Share your thoughts on the different areas you find either favorable to your opinion or counter to your opinion.
Thomas Jefferson’s Account of the Declaration
Independence a Solemn Day by Richard Henry Lee
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Friends of Liberty:
Freedom Formula: Home of Gary & Carolyn Alders Freedom Coaching and Training
Utah Tenth Amendment Center: 10th Amendment Legislation in Utah.
Tenth Amendment Center: Action and insights from across the country!
Heritage Training Network: Many more resources, groups, and discussion forums.
Downsize DC Organization: Join the Downsize Army!
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