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Foundations of Freedom: Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitu
Common Sense inflamed its readers and ignited the American Revolution. It was here that our constitutional form of government was first suggested. The forces that were focused and unleashed by Common Sense led directly to The Declaration of Independence. The Declaration led to the American Revolution and the United States' victory in that revolution led to the Articles of Confederation. Dissatisfaction with the Articles caused Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison to write The Federalist Papers, which then led to the United States Constitution as we know it today. Here in one volume are these cornerstones of American freedom.
420 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2008
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Founding Fathers
175 books639 followersThe term Founding Fathers of the United States of America refers broadly to the individuals of the Thirteen British Colonies in North America who led the American Revolution against the authority of the British Crown and established the United States of America. It is also used more narrowly, referring specifically to those who either signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 or who were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and took part in drafting the proposed Constitution of the United States. A further subset includes those who signed the Articles of Confederation. During much of the 19th century, they were referred to as either the "Founders" or the "Fathers".
Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.
DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member
Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.
DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 15, 2010
I have not read this version of these documents, nor will I; and I feel compelled to urge anyone interested in reading these important documents to find another version.
It breaks my heart to give a review of one star to this brilliant work. All are worthwhile reading, and, in fact, probably should be read by every American. HOWEVER, this edition is compromised by the despicable disclaimer the publishers felt compelled to include. That is the basis for my rating.
According to publishers Wilder Publications and A&D Publishing, “This book is a product of its time and does not reflect the same values as it would if it were written today. Parents might wish to discuss with their children how views on race, gender, ethnicity, and interpersonal relations have changed since this book was written before allowing them to read this classic work.” It included this same disclaimer on separate publications of the Federalist Papers and other quintessential work by the founding fathers. Are they kidding with this insulting disclaimer?! If I could give this Wilder publication zero stars, I would because it is not worth the paper on which it is printed.
These documents represent the foundation and law of the United States. The Federalist Papers comprise a series of news articles by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, presented collectively under the name Publius, that were intended to make the case for ratification of the (then) proposed Constitution. A prevailing concern at the time was that the Constitution established too much centralized power in the federal government. The three sought to convince the members of the Constitutional Convention -- and thereby the public -- that the Constitution offered the best means of realizing the ideals of justice and individual rights through the three branches of government that it would establish. Benjamin F. Wright in his edit of The Federalist Papers explained, "The doctrine of The Federalist is that popular government, with its essential accompaniments of freedom of opinion and the right to disagree, depends upon no single agency or protection. Rather it rests upon multiple protections, plural safeguards, or, as Madison put it, 'auxiliary precautions.'" (2004 reprint by Barnes and Noble Books of the original 1961 publication by Harvard University Press, page 84)
Unfortunately, the Wilder disclaimer is yet another example of progressives at work to destroy the founding principles that make America exceptional. It's remarkably ironic that Wilder is able to use such offensive language to describe the very documents that give the company the freedoms to make such proclamations. All of these documents should prompt thoughtful consideration and discussion. And, certainly, the publishers at Wilder are entitled to and guaranteed the right to voice their opinion. With its "politically correct" disclaimer, however, it essentially encourages readers to interpret the Constitution.
The framers wisely anticipated that the Constitution should be understood and applied, not interpreted, to avoid the kind of assault and yielding to prevailing political winds that Wilder is attempting to achieve. Also wisely understanding the need for adaptation to unforeseen circumstances, the founding fathers astutely created a system for amendment that requires substantial public support. The founders set the bar very high to ensure America did not be come a totalitarian government (either monarchy, fascist, communist or socialist) and remained "of the people, by the people and for the people." They got far more right than wrong. Today, anyone who agrees with the principles of liberty and democracy will see the value of America's founding documents as relevant in any time.
Please join me and others in boycotting all publications from Wilder Publications and A&D Publishing. Show them what democracy, fair market enterprise and freedom of choice are all about.
It breaks my heart to give a review of one star to this brilliant work. All are worthwhile reading, and, in fact, probably should be read by every American. HOWEVER, this edition is compromised by the despicable disclaimer the publishers felt compelled to include. That is the basis for my rating.
According to publishers Wilder Publications and A&D Publishing, “This book is a product of its time and does not reflect the same values as it would if it were written today. Parents might wish to discuss with their children how views on race, gender, ethnicity, and interpersonal relations have changed since this book was written before allowing them to read this classic work.” It included this same disclaimer on separate publications of the Federalist Papers and other quintessential work by the founding fathers. Are they kidding with this insulting disclaimer?! If I could give this Wilder publication zero stars, I would because it is not worth the paper on which it is printed.
These documents represent the foundation and law of the United States. The Federalist Papers comprise a series of news articles by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, presented collectively under the name Publius, that were intended to make the case for ratification of the (then) proposed Constitution. A prevailing concern at the time was that the Constitution established too much centralized power in the federal government. The three sought to convince the members of the Constitutional Convention -- and thereby the public -- that the Constitution offered the best means of realizing the ideals of justice and individual rights through the three branches of government that it would establish. Benjamin F. Wright in his edit of The Federalist Papers explained, "The doctrine of The Federalist is that popular government, with its essential accompaniments of freedom of opinion and the right to disagree, depends upon no single agency or protection. Rather it rests upon multiple protections, plural safeguards, or, as Madison put it, 'auxiliary precautions.'" (2004 reprint by Barnes and Noble Books of the original 1961 publication by Harvard University Press, page 84)
Unfortunately, the Wilder disclaimer is yet another example of progressives at work to destroy the founding principles that make America exceptional. It's remarkably ironic that Wilder is able to use such offensive language to describe the very documents that give the company the freedoms to make such proclamations. All of these documents should prompt thoughtful consideration and discussion. And, certainly, the publishers at Wilder are entitled to and guaranteed the right to voice their opinion. With its "politically correct" disclaimer, however, it essentially encourages readers to interpret the Constitution.
The framers wisely anticipated that the Constitution should be understood and applied, not interpreted, to avoid the kind of assault and yielding to prevailing political winds that Wilder is attempting to achieve. Also wisely understanding the need for adaptation to unforeseen circumstances, the founding fathers astutely created a system for amendment that requires substantial public support. The founders set the bar very high to ensure America did not be come a totalitarian government (either monarchy, fascist, communist or socialist) and remained "of the people, by the people and for the people." They got far more right than wrong. Today, anyone who agrees with the principles of liberty and democracy will see the value of America's founding documents as relevant in any time.
Please join me and others in boycotting all publications from Wilder Publications and A&D Publishing. Show them what democracy, fair market enterprise and freedom of choice are all about.
July 14, 2009
The content is, of course, perfect. The founding documents of our country in their unedited, raw form. It is amazing to me how far we've moved away from the Constitution and have trampled so many of the freedoms it espouses. It would make sense, though, as since I believe the Constitution was God-inspired, that the devil would seek to lead well-intentioned activists away from all that is good.
The one part of the book that enrages me, though, is that the "editor" put a DISCLAIMER at the front of the book. It reads:
"This book is a product of its time and does not reflect the same values as it would if it were written today. Parents might wish to discuss with their children how views on race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and interpersonal relations have changed since this book was written before allowing them to read this classic work."
How absurd is this?! He treats the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and United States Constitution as controversial works of FICTION! He even brags about how they're out-of-date and how far America has moved away from our initial freedoms.
Just skip that part and be educated, inspired, and edified by the content of the book that is free from the editor's taint.
The one part of the book that enrages me, though, is that the "editor" put a DISCLAIMER at the front of the book. It reads:
"This book is a product of its time and does not reflect the same values as it would if it were written today. Parents might wish to discuss with their children how views on race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and interpersonal relations have changed since this book was written before allowing them to read this classic work."
How absurd is this?! He treats the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and United States Constitution as controversial works of FICTION! He even brags about how they're out-of-date and how far America has moved away from our initial freedoms.
Just skip that part and be educated, inspired, and edified by the content of the book that is free from the editor's taint.
March 23, 2025
⭐ 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐
💬 “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…”
There are few documents in human history that carry as much global weight as the United States Constitution. It is, in many ways, the blueprint of American democracy—a bold, radical experiment in self-governance authored by revolutionaries, idealists, and pragmatic thinkers who sought to build something timeless.
Reading this document today, in its Saddlewire edition—a compact and elegant reprint from the Books of American Wisdom series—isn’t just an exercise in patriotism. It’s a study in how ideas evolve, how societies grow, and how the written word can shape a nation.
📖 What’s Inside:
This edition presents the full text of the U.S. Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and the subsequent amendments. It’s clean, accessible, and small enough to carry or keep on your shelf—a simple yet powerful reminder of the ideas that laid the foundation of American law.
You’ll find the Preamble, the seven Articles, and 27 Amendments, including those that abolished slavery, granted women the right to vote, ensured civil rights, and expanded democratic participation.
🧠 Why This Still Matters (Even If It Feels Distant):
✔️ Historical Gravitas – There’s something humbling about reading the actual words of the Founding Fathers—a group of imperfect yet visionary men who created a document meant to outlive them. It’s a window into the political ideals, fears, and ambitions of 18th-century America.
✔️ Living Legacy – The Constitution is a living document—interpreted, challenged, and debated in courtrooms, classrooms, and protests across the country. It’s not frozen in time; it evolves as we do.
✔️ A Foundation, Not a Finish Line – While it's easy to romanticize the Constitution, it's also necessary to recognize its limitations and its historical context. Many voices—women, people of color, the poor—were left out of the original vision. The amendments are proof of our country’s constant struggle to live up to the ideals we set.
✔️ Inspiration for Reflection – This edition invites the modern reader to ask: Are we still forming a more perfect union? What would the Founders think of today’s political and cultural landscape? Where have we honored their intent—and where have we fallen short?
📚 Why I Gave It 4 Stars (Not 5):
⚠️ Not Annotated – While the Saddlewire edition is beautiful in its simplicity, readers unfamiliar with the legal or historical background may find the language challenging or outdated in parts. An annotated edition might better serve those wanting deeper context.
⚠️ Idealized vs. Realized – Reading this in today’s world is… complicated. The ideals are inspiring, but the execution of those ideals in modern America often falls short, which makes this book feel as much like a reminder of what we aspired to be as a reflection of what we are.
📖 Final Thoughts:
Reading the U.S. Constitution in its raw, unfiltered form is an experience every American should have. It is equal parts inspiring, frustrating, sobering, and empowering. It's a document that reminds us that freedom is not a guarantee—it is a pursuit.
Whether you approach this as a student of history, a critic of government, or simply a curious citizen, the Constitution invites you to think, question, and participate. And this edition—small, portable, and respectfully presented—makes that access easier.
💬 Have you ever sat down and actually read the Constitution? Did it feel relevant, distant, inspiring, outdated? Let’s talk about what democracy means to you—and what parts of this living document still resonate.
💬 “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…”
There are few documents in human history that carry as much global weight as the United States Constitution. It is, in many ways, the blueprint of American democracy—a bold, radical experiment in self-governance authored by revolutionaries, idealists, and pragmatic thinkers who sought to build something timeless.
Reading this document today, in its Saddlewire edition—a compact and elegant reprint from the Books of American Wisdom series—isn’t just an exercise in patriotism. It’s a study in how ideas evolve, how societies grow, and how the written word can shape a nation.
📖 What’s Inside:
This edition presents the full text of the U.S. Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and the subsequent amendments. It’s clean, accessible, and small enough to carry or keep on your shelf—a simple yet powerful reminder of the ideas that laid the foundation of American law.
You’ll find the Preamble, the seven Articles, and 27 Amendments, including those that abolished slavery, granted women the right to vote, ensured civil rights, and expanded democratic participation.
🧠 Why This Still Matters (Even If It Feels Distant):
✔️ Historical Gravitas – There’s something humbling about reading the actual words of the Founding Fathers—a group of imperfect yet visionary men who created a document meant to outlive them. It’s a window into the political ideals, fears, and ambitions of 18th-century America.
✔️ Living Legacy – The Constitution is a living document—interpreted, challenged, and debated in courtrooms, classrooms, and protests across the country. It’s not frozen in time; it evolves as we do.
✔️ A Foundation, Not a Finish Line – While it's easy to romanticize the Constitution, it's also necessary to recognize its limitations and its historical context. Many voices—women, people of color, the poor—were left out of the original vision. The amendments are proof of our country’s constant struggle to live up to the ideals we set.
✔️ Inspiration for Reflection – This edition invites the modern reader to ask: Are we still forming a more perfect union? What would the Founders think of today’s political and cultural landscape? Where have we honored their intent—and where have we fallen short?
📚 Why I Gave It 4 Stars (Not 5):
⚠️ Not Annotated – While the Saddlewire edition is beautiful in its simplicity, readers unfamiliar with the legal or historical background may find the language challenging or outdated in parts. An annotated edition might better serve those wanting deeper context.
⚠️ Idealized vs. Realized – Reading this in today’s world is… complicated. The ideals are inspiring, but the execution of those ideals in modern America often falls short, which makes this book feel as much like a reminder of what we aspired to be as a reflection of what we are.
📖 Final Thoughts:
Reading the U.S. Constitution in its raw, unfiltered form is an experience every American should have. It is equal parts inspiring, frustrating, sobering, and empowering. It's a document that reminds us that freedom is not a guarantee—it is a pursuit.
Whether you approach this as a student of history, a critic of government, or simply a curious citizen, the Constitution invites you to think, question, and participate. And this edition—small, portable, and respectfully presented—makes that access easier.
💬 Have you ever sat down and actually read the Constitution? Did it feel relevant, distant, inspiring, outdated? Let’s talk about what democracy means to you—and what parts of this living document still resonate.
Currently reading
December 30, 2009Describes the reasons our founding fathers did things and the reasons for having one goverment to deal with other nations instead of being seperate state or confederacies.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews