The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence is the official pocket-sized edition containing the two most important founding documents of the United States.
What’s Included
This compact, widely available edition (commonly published by the National Archives, the Government Publishing Office, or various commemorative presses) includes:
- The Declaration of Independence (1776)
- Full text of the document adopted on July 4, 1776.
- The powerful preamble beginning with “When in the Course of human events…”
- The list of grievances against King George III.
- The stirring conclusion declaring the colonies “Free and Independent States.”
- The Constitution of the United States (1787)
- The complete text of the Constitution signed on September 17, 1787.
- All seven original Articles.
- The Preamble (“We the People…”).
- The full Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments, ratified 1791).
- All subsequent Amendments through the most recent (including the 27th Amendment on congressional pay).
Many editions also include:
- The Articles of Confederation (for historical context)
- A brief introduction or timeline of the founding era
- The Signers lists for both documents
- The Federalist Papers excerpts or the Northwest Ordinance (in some expanded versions)
Why This Edition Is Popular
- Pocket size — Usually 4 × 6 inches or smaller, making it easy to carry in a purse, backpack, or suit pocket.
- Durable — Often printed on high-quality paper with a sturdy cover (some have the U.S. flag or the Constitution’s text embossed).
- Affordable — Typically $2–$8 depending on the publisher and features.
- Official & Accurate — Text is taken directly from the National Archives, with no abridgments or modern paraphrasing.
- Educational tool — Widely used in schools, by homeschool families, at naturalization ceremonies, and by anyone who wants quick access to America’s founding principles.
Who It’s For
- Students studying U.S. history or government
- New citizens preparing for the civics test
- Teachers and professors
- Anyone who wants to keep the foundational documents close at hand
- History enthusiasts and patriots who enjoy reading the actual words that created the nation
Recommended Editions (as of 2026)
- National Archives official pocket edition — Most accurate and widely respected.
- The Heritage Foundation or Cato Institute versions — Often include helpful annotations or the Federalist Papers excerpts.
- Leather-bound or commemorative editions — Popular as gifts for graduates, new citizens, or Constitution Day (September 17).
In short, this small book contains the two documents that declared America’s independence and established its system of government. It is one of the most important and frequently reprinted publications in American history.
Whether you’re reading it for school, civic education, or personal reflection, having the actual text of the Declaration and Constitution in your hands is a powerful experience.