Accompanied by interpretations of their significance by noted historian Richard D. Heffner and journalist Alexander B. Heffner, the important documents in this book include:

   • The Declaration of Independence
   • The Constitution of the United States
   • Frederick Douglass’ “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?”
   • The Monroe Doctrine
   • The Emancipation Proclamation
   • Woodrow Wilson’s War Message to Congress
   • Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech
   • John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address
   • Martin Luther King, Jr.’s letter from the Birmingham City Jail
   • The National Organization for Women (NOW) Statement of Purpose
   • Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision
   • Documents related to September 11 and the Iraq War
   • Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech
   • Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump