Selection from Indictment of Jedediah Peck

A Seditious Petition

Less than 10 years after the ratification of the Bill of Rights, Revolutionary War veteran and NY State Legislator Jedediah Peck was arrested for distributing a petition.

Selection of The Masses about Conscientious Objectors

Freedom of the Press for The Masses

Though freedom of the press is one of our most cherished liberties, fully enjoying it has not always been possible. This is especially true during times of stress for the nation and government.

Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test: A New Student Workbook

This primary source-based workbook helps students explore concepts found in the Bill of Rights.

Find the National Archives at NCSS!

Join us for workshops and special events as part of the National Council for the Social Studies Conference in Washington, DC, in December 2016.

Free Bill of Rights Exhibit for Your School

Our high-resolution The Bill of Rights and You posters are now available for download! Find the PDF files at www.archives.gov/amending-america/visit/bill-of-rights-pop-up. Update: Due to the high level of interest, we have no more Bill of Rights and You exhibits to distribute. Thousands will be on display in schools, libraries, museums and other community organizations soon! We're offering a free pop-up exhibit … Continue reading Free Bill of Rights Exhibit for Your School

Is the Death Penalty a Cruel and Unusual Punishment?

Document analysis and discussion questions help students examine: What is cruel and unusual punishment? Who decides what is considered cruel and unusual? How can it be measured?

Gen. Storms, N.Y. State Militia

Examining the Second Amendment Using Plain Writing and Historical Context

The Second Amendment might be used to teach plain writing, historical context, and fundamental primary source research.

“Freedom of” or “Freedom From” Religion?

This post is part of our series on the Bill of Rights. We’re highlighting primary sources from our student workbook Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test, that helps students explore core concepts found within the Bill of Rights, and how they’ve impacted American history. This year marks the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the … Continue reading “Freedom of” or “Freedom From” Religion?