Description:  As the American colonies fought to wrest themselves from British rule, it became increasingly clear that the Articles of Confederation was a document ill prepared to foster the development of a strong and perpetual union between the states. It became necessary, then, for delegates from each state to work together draft a new constitution to supersede the Articles and serve as supreme law of the land for centuries to come. The Story of Our Constitution tells of the founding of America as it is known today, and presents the reader with the central questions addressed during the drafting of the constitution, as well as the many compromises made for the sake of unity. Here, the reader is also introduced to many of our nation’s preeminent statesmen and given a glimpse of the vigorous debates that occurred amongst them, as together they worked to shape a great and democratic nation.

Additional information:

1. The Days of Weakness and Confusion
2. Keeping the Union Together
3. The Coming of the Delegates
4. A New Constitution
5. The Constitution Is Completed
6. Will the States Ratify?
7. Coming "Under the Roof"

8. The Beginning of the Government
9. The States Guard Their Rights
10. Electing the President
11. The War Amendments
12. The Twentieth Century Amendments
13. The Constitution of the United States of America

America Grows Up

by Gerald W. Johnson

The Young Citizen's Reader

by Paul S. Reinsch

The Story of Liberty

by James Baldwin

Lafayette

by Alma Holman Burton