Historical Documents that made the U.S who we are today!

There are six of them! Can anyone name all of them and say what each of them does? Most people can't, so no big deal.

Let's start with the Declaration of Independence! 
This is one of the absolute most important documents in all history of the United States. This document says that the 13 colonies are no longer owned by England. The first part of the Declaration gives reasons for the break and the notice given to England about the break. The second part is a list of complaints about George III - the English ruler they were breaking free from. The document was written by Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and John Adams. The document was in debate for 2 days and then was adopted on July 4th, 1776. However, the actual signing took place on August 2nd and 56 people signed this document. Because of the Declaration of Independence, we are our own country! YAYYY!!

The Articles of Confederation
After the thirteen colonies needed to have some form of a governmental system after winning their independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. This document is the first constitutional agreement made between the thirteen states. After debate that started July 12, 1776, this document was adopted by Congress on November 15, 1777. This document basically gave all state governments power, but they still had a central government.

The Constitution
This document is the backbone to all of American government. It not only states the rights of the American people, but includes the structure of the government. Everyone must follow the Constitution and no law can be passed if it contradicts it. It is commonly referred to as the "Supreme Law of the Land." The Constitution has three parts - Preamble, Articles, and Amendments. This document can be amended, so it is considered a "living document"; however, it has only been amended 27 times since it was finished on September 12, 1787. Each state was given six months to vote and ratify the Constitution. The order of ratification is as follows starting with Delaware on December 7, 1787, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island finishing on May 29, 1790.

The Bill of Rights
This document is the first ten amendments of the Constitution. They were added to the Constitution because many people didn't think the Constitution protected certain freedoms of citizens. The amendments were made to protect the basic freedoms of citizens. Examples of the freedoms this document guarantees are freedom of speech, religion, press, right to assemble, right to bear arms, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. These amendments were added on December 15, 1791 and this document is important because these rights allow you to say what you want and believe what you want without being punished.

The Emancipation Proclamation & The Gettysburg Address

On January 1, 1863 this document became effective and was instituted by Abraham Lincoln. This document states that all slave states must become free states and the Union military will enforce this freedom. The Confederate states did not acknowledge the Emancipation Proclamation and did not free their slaves, so President Lincoln declared war to fight for freedom and preserving the Union. This document also allowed black men to serve in the Union military. This was one of the first steps the United States made towards equality of citizens.
On November 19, 1863 Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. In his speech he said that the United States will continue to fight so that the World, and not just the United States can enjoy freedom and equality for citizens. This speech is more recognized by the opening lines "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

So without these six documents the United States would not be where they are today! These documents have withstood the test of time and still continue to be an important aspect of our daily lives!