Origins of the Federal Constitution

Edited by Philip B. Kurland and Ralph Lerner, this five-volume set is hailed as 'the Oxford English Dictionary of American constitutional history.' It draws on writings from the early seventeenth century to the 1830s, including reflections of philosophers, public debates, and private correspondence of leading political actors. The documents are arranged by broad themes and by article, section, and clause of the U.S. Constitution, providing a deep understanding of the nation's most important legal document.

This book provides a meticulous analysis of the Magna Carta, with each clause translated from Latin to English and heavily annotated. It includes a historical introduction that describes the events leading to the crisis of 1215, analyzes the grievances of the barons, and discusses the contents and characteristics of the Charter. The commentary covers legal, political, economic, and social aspects of the Charter and its impact on English history.

This book provides a sweeping chronicle of the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War, and its profound impact on both American and European society. Anderson begins with a minor skirmish in the Ohio Valley involving George Washington and French soldiers, and he follows the conflict through its global reach, including campaigns in Canada, Silesia, and India. The book highlights the war's role in establishing Britain as the dominant imperial power while weakening its newly expanded territories in the Americas. It also explores the war's effects on American colonists, Native American nations, and the subsequent political and economic tensions that led to the loss of British support from the colonies. Anderson's work is notable for its vivid portrayal of key figures such as Washington, William Pitt, and Montcalm, and for its detailed analysis of the war's broader historical significance[1][2][3].

The English Bill of Rights, passed on December 16, 1689, was a significant document that established the balance of power between Parliament and the Crown. It prohibited the sovereign from levying taxes, recruiting troops, or suspending laws without Parliamentary consent. The document also enshrined basic civil rights, including freedom of speech in Parliament, regular elections to Parliament, and the right to petition the monarch without fear of retribution. It is considered a foundational document of Britain's democracy and influenced later documents such as the U.S. Bill of Rights[1][4][5].