The Declaration of Independence / The Articles of Confederation / US Constitution
The United States Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, declared that the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "Free and Independent States" and that "all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved." The Declaration is considered to be the founding document of the United States of America, where July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day and the nation's birthday.
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, also the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing constitution of the United States of America. Formally, the thirteen states were thirteen independent states (countries) until their ratification (proposed in 1777) was completed in 1781; then came to legal existence the "United States of America" as a union with a confederation government, yet, as the Articles (and the succeeding Constitution) stipulate, the states retained sovereignty and every function of sovereignty not specifically deputed to the government of the federation.
The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, is the supreme law of the United States of America. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States Government. The document outlines the three main branches of the government. The legislative branch is embodied in the bicameral Congress. The executive branch is headed by the President. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court. Besides providing for the organization of these branches, the Constitution carefully outlines which powers each branch may exercise. It also reserves numerous rights for the individual states, and, thus, establishes the United States' federal system of government. It has since been amended twenty-seven times, the first ten amendments being known as the Bill of Rights.
Audio Book Contents
- Declaration of Independence
- The Articles of Confederation
- U.S. Constitution
Audio Book Music is performed by Sungod Abscondo.
Cover Art: John Trumbull's (1756 – 1843) famous painting is usually incorrectly identified as a depiction of the signing of the Declaration. What the painting actually depicts is the five-man drafting committee presenting their work to the Congress. Trumbull's painting can also be found on the back of the U.S. $2 bill.
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