The Guide is intended to assist teachers, students, parents, and citizens in understanding and appreciating the Constitution of the United States of America. It is designed as a handbook for studying the Constitution in the tradition of the founders,
using the source documents and writings identified by them as the "best guides" to its principles and meaning. See:
Minutes of the Board of Governors of the University of Virginia, March 4, 1825
The Institute for American Liberty is a non-profit corporation established for educational and literary purposes. Its mission is to
present to the public literature, facts and viewpoints related to American Liberty, its virtues,
principles and history based primarily upon the Constitution of the United States of America, the
Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, Washington's Farewell Address, the writings of the "Founding Fathers," the
writings of other U.S. Presidents, statesmen and patriots, and other historical writings and analyses.
The Institute is seeking to promote these principles by the publication and dissemination of "Seven Principles of Liberty" and the writings of
Algernon Sidney in his "Discourses Concerning Government," which (along with John Locke's "Second Treatise on Civil Government"] contain "the general principles of libery and rights of man in nature and society."
See:
Seven Principles of Liberty ; and
Sidney's "Discourses Concerning Government"
The Institute also encourages the reading and study of the Founding Documents and their Sources in our public schools.
See:
Teaching America's Founding Documents;
Teaching the Federalist Papers;
Why 'The Federalist' Belongs in the Classroom;
California Education Code; and
Classic Dilemma.
Liberty Quote for July 4th, 2009:
"But whatever may be our fate, be assured . . . that this Declaration will stand. It may cost treasure, and it may cost blood; but it will stand, and it will richly compensate for both. Through the thick and gloom of the present, I see the brightness of the future, as the sun in heaven. We shall make this a glorious, an immortal day. When we are in our graves, our children will honor it. They will celebrate it with thanksgiving, with festivity, with bonfires and illuminations. On its annual return they will shed tears, copious, gushing tears, not of subjection or of slavery, not of agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude, of joy. Sir, before God, I believe the hour is come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I begun, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence, now, and Independence for ever.”
John Adams
Founding Documents
The Founding Documents of the United States of America: The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers and George Washington's Farewell Address.
Founding Source Documents
The Primary Source Documents for the principles underlying the Founding of the United States of America: Locke & Sidney.
Writings of the Founders
The Writings of the Founding Fathers: Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison & Franklin.
Essays & Quotes
Essays and Quotes related to American Liberty and Public Virtue.
Recommended Reading List
The Institute's Recommended Reading List of Books regarding the American Founding and the Founding Fathers.
Liberty Links
Links to other web sites related to the principles and history of American Liberty and U. S. Presidents.
For Educators
The Washington, Jefferson & Madison Institute was established to "Perpetuate the Study of the Teachings and Examples of the Founders of the Republic."
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Online since October 1996
