Presents 80 documents selected to reflect Eric Voegelin's theory that in Western civilization basic political symbolizations tend to be variants of the original symbolization of Judeo-Christian religious tradition. These documents demonstrate the continuity of symbols preceding the writing of the Constitution and all contain a number of basic symbols such as: a constitution as higher law, popular sovereignty, legislative supremacy, the deliberative process, and a virtuous people. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Here, in a single volume, are the documents, speeches, and letters that have forged American history, now updated with new content such as Trump's inaugural address. Accompanied by interpretations of their significance by noted historian Richard D. Heffner and journalist Alexander Heffner, this book includes important documents such as: * The complete text of the Declaration of Independence * The complete Constitution of the United States * 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 "I Have a Dream" Speech * Ronald Reagan's Inaugural Addresses * Documents relating to September 11, 2001 and the Iraq War This edition has been expanded and updated to include a chapter on the Presidency of Donald Trump.