In 1776, representatives from thirteen American colonies assembled and, speaking with a united voice, declared that they were no longer subject to British rule. Each colony considered itself a separate and self-governing entity, but they stood together in asserting a shared commitment to liberty and the right of people to determine their own government. This act wasn’t just about separating from a monarchy, it was a deliberate affirmation of self-rule, carried out collectively by distinct political communities that believed legitimate power comes from the consent of the governed.
The Declaration of Independence captured their resolve, laying out the reasons for separation and affirming the belief that government derives its authority from the governed. That same spirit of cooperation would later shape the U.S. Constitution, a foundational document that created a federal government while preserving the understanding that the states had voluntarily united. Under this framework, ultimate authority rests not in distant institutions, but with the people, acting through their states and local communities.
Independence Day is more than a historical anniversary. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the principles that led to our founding: limited government, individual rights, and the rule of law. But to truly understand the system our country was built on, we need more than just the founding documents, we need the supporting writings, commentaries, and historical sources that bring context, clarity, and meaning to them.
For those interested in exploring the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the principles behind them, the following list of books and resources offers an excellent place to begin. Most are available for free online and are suited for anyone, regardless of background, who wants to gain a deeper understanding of America’s founding and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. To truly study the Constitution and to build your Constitutional Library, it’s important to start with the right materials. The Constitution didn’t appear in a vacuum; it was shaped by years of debate, legal tradition, and philosophical thought. The texts below are essential additions to any constitutional library, offering insight not just into what the Constitution says, but what it was meant to accomplish and how it was understood by those who framed and ratified it.
Tier 1: Core Texts for Constitutional Understanding
This tier includes the most essential and accessible works for grasping the Constitution’s meaning and origins.
The Federalist Papers
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, The Federalist Papers are a series of essays defending the proposed U.S. Constitution during the ratification debates. They explain the reasoning behind the structure of the federal government, including separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Reading these essays gives critical insight into how the Constitution was intended to function and the principles its authors hoped to preserve. Available From The Library of Congress
The Anti-Federalist Papers
This collection of writings by critics of the Constitution provides the essential counterpoint to the Federalist arguments. The Anti-Federalists warned of potential abuses of centralized power, the erosion of state sovereignty, and the absence of explicit protections for individual rights—concerns that directly led to the Bill of Rights. Studying these papers helps readers grasp the broader debate over the Constitution and why certain safeguards were eventually added. Available From The Internet Archive (Free Sign-Up Needed to Access)
The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 (Max Farrand)
This multi-volume compilation gathers the most complete records of the Constitutional Convention, including notes, speeches, and proceedings from the delegates themselves, most notably James Madison’s detailed notes. Farrand’s work provides an unmatched window into the framers’ deliberations, compromises, and intentions as they drafted the Constitution. For anyone seeking to understand the original meaning and structure of the Constitution, this source is indispensable. Available from the Online Library of Liberty
The Debates in the Several State Conventions (Volumes 1–5)
Jonathan Elliot compiled the records of state conventions where the Constitution was debated and ratified. These debates offer a window into how the Constitution was interpreted by those who adopted it; what concerns were raised, what assurances were sought, and what compromises were accepted. This is perhaps the most authoritative source for understanding the original meaning of the Constitution, because it reflects the states’ own understanding of the agreement they were entering. No state was compelled to join the Union; each voluntarily ratified the Constitution through its own convention. These volumes document what the states believed they were consenting to when they chose to become part of the new federal union. Available from the Online Library of Liberty
Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
This dictionary is invaluable for interpreting the original meaning of words used in the Constitution and other founding documents. Language evolves over time, but Webster’s definitions reflect how Americans in the founding era understood key terms. Using this resource ensures that readers are interpreting the text through the lens of its original context, not through modern meanings. Available From The Internet Archive (Free Sign-Up Needed to Access)
Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England (Vol. 1 & 4)
Sir William Blackstone’s Commentaries were the most influential legal texts in early America and deeply shaped the Founders’ understanding of English common law. Volumes 1 and 4 are especially important—Volume 1 outlines the rights of persons and legal principles of liberty, while Volume 4 addresses criminal law. These volumes help decode the legal language of the Constitution and clarify what the Founders meant by terms like “law,” “rights,” and “due process.” (Available From The Online Library of Liberty)
Tier 2: Recommended Texts for Deeper Constitutional Insight
While not as foundational as those in Tier 1, these works provide important context and interpretation that deepen one’s understanding of the Constitution and the debates surrounding its meaning. They explore legal philosophy, ratification history, judicial rulings, and evolving interpretations that shaped early American thought on governance and federalism.
A Brief Enquiry into the True Nature and Character of Our Federal Government (Abel P. Upshur)
Written in 1840, Upshur’s work offers a powerful defense of the compact theory of the Constitution, arguing that the states, not the federal government, are the primary parties to the constitutional agreement. His analysis challenges centralizing interpretations and provides a well-reasoned argument for state sovereignty and limited federal authority. It’s a crucial read for anyone studying constitutional structure from a states’ rights perspective. (Available From The Library of Congress)
RATIFICATION: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787–1788 (Pauline Maier)
This modern historical work offers a detailed, well-researched account of the debates that took place in each state over whether to adopt the Constitution. Maier draws from primary sources to show how ordinary citizens engaged with and shaped the ratification process. The book is invaluable for understanding how the Constitution was understood, contested, and ultimately accepted by the people. (Available on Amazon)
Tucker’s American Edition of Blackstone’s Commentaries (1803)
St. George Tucker’s edition of Blackstone adapts the original English legal treatise to reflect the new American legal system under the Constitution. He adds critical commentary to explain how American law had diverged from English traditions, particularly in areas of individual rights and state authority. It serves as a bridge between British legal foundations and early American constitutional interpretation. Available From HathiTrust
Supreme Court Cases (Pre-1835, Key Rulings)
Early Supreme Court decisions—before the era of Chief Justice John Marshall’s strong nationalist influence—offer insight into how the Constitution was first applied in practice. These rulings often reflect a more limited view of federal power and a stronger role for the states. Studying them helps reveal how early legal minds interpreted the Constitution in its original context.
Tier 3: Supplemental Texts for Broader Context
These works are not essential for a first-time study, but they offer valuable background for those seeking a deeper grasp of the legal and philosophical roots of the Constitution. They highlight the traditions, rights, and legal reasoning that influenced America’s founding generation.
Kent’s Commentaries on American Law (Vol. 1 Only)
James Kent’s Commentaries became a foundational legal text in the early 19th century, offering insight into how American judges and scholars interpreted the Constitution and common law in practice. Volume 1 covers general principles of law, rights, and sovereignty, helping bridge the gap between legal theory and courtroom application. It’s useful for understanding how constitutional interpretation evolved in the post-Founding period. Available From HathiTrust
Coke’s Institutes (Key Excerpts)
Sir Edward Coke’s legal writings were central to shaping Anglo-American views on liberty, due process, and the limits of government power. His work strongly influenced the Founders, particularly in regard to common law protections and the rights of the accused. Selected excerpts provide historical depth and show how early American legal minds borrowed from established English precedent.
Part 1 – Commentary on Littleton Property law, estates, feudal tenures: Most essential – foundational to common law
Part 2 – Explanation of Statute Law Interpretation of key statutes (e.g. Magna Carta): Valuable for constitutional and legal heritage
Part 3 – Criminal Law (Crown Pleas) Analysis of criminal offenses, procedures: For legal history or early criminal law research
Part 4 – Jurisdiction of Courts Roles/powers of courts in England: Niche, but useful for understanding separation of powers and legal structure
If You’re Focused On:
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- Foundations of Law/Constitutional Thought – Read Parts I & II. Part I is quoted heavily by U.S. Founders and jurists (esp. on property rights, due process). Part II offers interpretation of statutes foundational to English and American liberties.
- U.S. Founding-Era Influence – Part I is essential. Parts II & IV are helpful if you want to understand where the Founders drew ideas about court authority and limits on power.
- Judicial Power & Courts – Part IV provides insight into historical roles of English courts—somewhat applicable to understanding early American court modeling.
- Legal History or Law Student Use – All four parts are worthwhile if you want comprehensive understanding of English common law’s structure.
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) Download HERE & English Bill of Rights (1689) Download HERE
These documents served as important models for the U.S. Bill of Rights. The Virginia Declaration was a direct influence on the drafting of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, while the English Bill of Rights outlined key limits on executive power and codified individual liberties. Studying them offers insight into the intellectual and legal traditions that inspired the American approach to rights and government accountability.
Studying the Constitution in its proper context isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a necessary step toward informed citizenship. Understanding the principles, debates, and legal foundations that shaped our system of government equips us to better defend and preserve it. Whether you’re new to these texts or revisiting them with fresh eyes, the resources above offer a path toward deeper clarity, historical insight, and a renewed appreciation for the responsibilities that come with liberty. Reclaiming Independence Day starts with reclaiming the knowledge that made it possible.
