US National Archives
Our Documents: Our Documents Welcome Page
Explore 100 selected milestone historical documents relating to American History. Click on the link to the list of links to documents. RI.11-12.8 seminal U.S. texts, W.11-12.9b US Doc Analysis.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Thomas Edison's Patent Application for the Light Bulb
This resource includes a copy of the original diagram and application that Thomas Edison submitted for the electric light bulb. Along with the interactive pictures you can access a typed transcript, larger images, a downloadable .PDF...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Resolution to Annex Hawaii (1898)
This is a copy of the original Resolution for Annexation of Hawaii. There is also a copy of Queen Liliuokalani's official protest to the House of Representatives. Links to larger copies, a typed transcript and PDF download are also...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Treaty of Paris (1783)
Interactive image of the Treaty of Paris of 1783. Allows for downloads of the document as well as seeing large, clear scanned in images of the documents. Click on the Tools for Educators to find a wealth of teaching resources.
US National Archives
Our Documents: National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (1956)
This great resource gives the history of building interstate highways as far back as the Roosevelt administration. Find out why President Eisenhower thought a system of interstate highways was so important to the U.S. economy and defense.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Civil Rights Act (1964)
Find an image of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964. Read a brief description of how this life-changing legislation came to be.
US National Archives
Nara: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
From the National Archives and Records Administration, this site offers a great biography of President Herbert Hoover. Detailed information about his presidential library, a kid's link, and a teacher's link. Everything you want to know...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights I
This is the first PDF in a four-part series on the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the history and chronology of the passage of the Bill of Rights. Vivid pictures, primary source documents, and a timeline are provided. [PDF]
US National Archives
National Archives: Representing Congress: Clifford Berryman's Political Cartoons
Political cartoons have informed the public and sparked debate throughout history. This ebook contains political cartoons pertaining to Congress. Students will understand the powers and responsibilities of Congress by analyzing these...
US National Archives
National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Learners will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
US National Archives
National Archives: Constitution Scavenger Hunt With Political Cartoons
Studying political cartoons can give students insight into historical events. Using political cartoons, students will learn about the content and structure of our Constitution by searching for the ideal represented in the cartoon....
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress and Bill of Rights in History and Today
Students will understand the origin of the Bill of Rights by studying primary sources tracing the development of these amendments. Students will gain an understanding of basic rights and discuss possible additions to the Bill of Rights...
US National Archives
National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress's First Declaration of War Under the Constitution
The War of 1812 was the first war in which Congress used its power of declaring war. Using primary sources such as the Constitution and the War Manifesto of June 3, 1812, students will understand why and how Congress decided to declare...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Debates the Fate of the Nation
Students will use a copy of the Wilmot Proviso and a map used by President Polk in an address to Congress to debate whether territory acquired through the Mexican War should be free or slave states. This debate in Congress served as a...
US National Archives
National Archives: Exploring the Western Frontier With the Records of Congress
Learners will analyze the impact of the frontier on American life and the role Congress played in settling the frontier. Included are worksheets, Turner's Thesis, and reflection questions. Primary sources provided are petitions for...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress, the Great Society, and Today
Students will study the Great Society and the role Congress played in shaping it. This lesson plan focuses on small group research to draw conclusions on the historical significance of each aspect of The Great Society Congress. Sources...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress at Work: Presidential Veto
The veto process is an integral part of our checks and balances. Introduce the power of the presidential veto and override to a class using an example from President Nixon's administration. Materials include the Constitution, worksheets,...
US National Archives
National Archives: What Congress Does and Why It Matters
Students will analyze primary sources related to Congress to learn the specific powers of the Legislative Branch. Included is a chart to download and print, worksheets, materials, and an answer key. Primary sources to be examined are...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iia
Ths is the second PDF is in the series Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists on questions surrounding passage of the Bill of Rights. Short biographies, pictures,...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iib
This is the 3rd section of a PDF entitled Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. This section focuses on the articles debated in Congress that eventually formed the Bill of Rights. Background on each article is given as well as a picture...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iii
This PDF is the last in the series called Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. Imagine you are in Congress in 1789 and have to vote on these proposed amendments. Which way would you vote? This source provides background on each amendment...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Ratification of the 19th Amendment, Tennessee
Check out this National Archives and Records (NARA) site to see the original Tennessee document ratifying the 19th Amendment. Also includes a short explanation as to why Tennessee's vote was so crucial.
US National Archives
Our Documents: 100 Milestone Documents
A collection of one hundred documents that are significant in shaping the history of the United States, beginning with the Lee Resolution of June 7, 1776, and ending with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.