The Handbook for Americans

The essential reference for every home and every citizen of the United States of America

The Handbook for Americans is a guide to the United States and its traditions of freedom and responsibility. There has never been a more pressing time to discover the power we hold as a people to set the agenda for our Nation's future.

The Handbook for Americans features the foundational documents of our democracy—The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights—and provides information about how our government works and the balance of powers set forth by the Nation's founders. An overview of key moments in America’s history, including the long march toward equal rights, provides inspiration and a valuable historical perspective. The Handbook for Americans is a comprehensive resource of the traditions, customs, and facts every American should know about their country.

Now, more than ever, Americans are faced with economic, environmental, and philosophical challenges that require a strong response. When we ask ourselves, "What does it mean to be an American? What do we stand for?" we are in fact casting about for the resources and traditions that will enable us to meet today's challenges.

The Handbook for Americans is a sourcebook for citizens as we embark into the 21st century. It is a guide, and a comfort, for the times ahead and the challenges the future may bring.