Will of the People: Readings in America Democracy

About this book

Are the signers of the Declaration of Independence motivated by a sense of moral outrage or by their own self-interest? In the Gettysburg Address why does Lincoln say that the war will not only test whether the United States can endure but also "whether . . . any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure"? Why does Martin Luther King Jr. find it especially difficult to explain racism to children? How relevant are historical documents to the United States today? Are Americans still grappling with the same issues that inspired historical texts? The Will of the People: Readings in American Democracy brings together 14 monumental texts and invites discussion of their meaning and continuing significance. Each text is accompanied by a series of questions to prompt Shared Inquiry discussion a reading and discussion method that helps readers come to a deeper understanding of challenging texts. Every American should have the opportunity to read and discuss these influential documents. CONTENTS: The Declaration of Independence The Federalist Papers (Nos. 10 51 78) The Constitution of the United States of America George Washingtons Farewell Address The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions The Seneca Falls Convention Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincolns Second Inaugural Address Sojourner Truths Address to the First Annual Meeting of the American Equal Rights Association The United States of America v. Susan B. Anthony "Let America Be America Again" by Langston Hughes and Martin Luther King Jr.s "Letter from Birmingham Jail."