Federal Publications: Civic Engagement and the 250th Anniversary of the United States

To recognize civic engagement and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, the South Carolina State Library’s Federal Documents Collection highlights numerous works in its collection that feature civics, civic engagement, and resources for all ages to learn about fundamental documents, symbols, and emblems of the United States.

Visit the South Carolina State Library to view these featured federal publications, explore additional civic engagement resources, and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Federal Documents

Cover of Civics and Citizenship Toolkit: A Collection of Educational Resources for Immigrants.

Civics and Citizenship Toolkit: A Collection of Educational Resources for Immigrants

The Civics and Citizenship Toolkit is a collection of educational resources and information for immigrants to the United States. This toolkit contains settlement information for new immigrants to the United States, information on the naturalization process, study materials for the naturalization test, reference materials on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and U.S. history, teaching guides and resources, flash cards, and more.

View in Catalog

Cover of The Citizen's Almanac: Fundamental Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States.

The Citizen's Almanac: Fundamental Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States

The Citizen's Almanac, a collection of America's most cherished symbols of freedom and liberty, serves as a modern-day lifeline to our rich civic history. From historic speeches to landmark Supreme Court decisions, The Citizen's Almanac offers a fascinating look into the fundamental civic values that have helped shape the country we know today.

View in Catalog

Cover of Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids.

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids is a free online service of official government information from all three branches of the U.S. government. Ben's Guide, a service of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), provides information and activities specifically tailored for educators, parents, and K-12 students.

View in Catalog

Cover of Learn about the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test.

Learn about the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test

This resource helps citizens, and those studying for the U.S. Naturalization Test, learn about the United States through 100 civics questions about the history and government of the United States.

View in Catalog

Cover of Symbols of the U.S. Government: Ben’s Guide Activity Book.

Symbols of the U.S. Government: Ben’s Guide Activity Book

Ben’s Guide provides information and activities specifically tailored for educators, parents, and students in K-12. These resources can help teach about our government and how it works.

View in Catalog

Image of the The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.

The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence

The Constitution of the United States with Index and the Declaration of Independence, pocket edition or “pocket constitution,” is a pocket-size booklet containing the complete texts of these two core documents of American democracy: the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence. 

View in Catalog

Cover of History of the Formation of the Union under the Constitution with Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission.

History of the Formation of the Union under the Constitution with Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission

The History of the Formation of the Union Under the Constitution with Liberty Documents and Report of the Commission is a comprehensive document detailing the process of drafting the United States Constitution. It includes a detailed account of the Constitution's formation, the liberty documents, and the Commission's report. The document is authored by Sol Bloom, the director general of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and significance of the Constitution.

View in Catalog

Cover of The Bill of Rights and Beyond, 1791-1991.

The Bill of Rights and Beyond, 1791-1991

This work, published by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, discusses the 26 amendments to the United States Constitution, how each amendment was added, the people responsible, such as George Mason, James Madison, and Carrie Chapman Catt, and also provides for classroom learning activities.

View in Catalog

Cover of The Constitution's Children: A Collection of Essays by Schoolchildren to Commemorate the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, 1787-1987.

The Constitution's Children: A Collection of Essays by Schoolchildren to Commemorate the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, 1787-1987

A collection of essays written by 150 school children from across the United States to commemorate the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. The purpose of the nationwide writing project created by the U.S. Department of Education in 1987 was to encourage the teaching of rights and responsibilities under the United States Constitution to elementary school students.

View in Catalog

Cover of Documents Illustrative of the Formation of the Union of the American States.

Documents Illustrative of the Formation of the Union of the American States

Documents illustrative of the formation of the Union of the American States were compiled for Congress in 1927 by the Legislative Reference Services within the Library of Congress, to commemorate the then 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Along with the more famous founding documents, this work also contains the Madison Debates in the Federal Convention, Articles of Confederation, instructions to the delegates to the Federal Convention, and instruments of ratification of the States.

View in Catalog

Cover of The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation; Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952 .

The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation; Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952

The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, edited by Edward Corwin, is a comprehensive resource that offers in-depth analysis and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, along with annotations of Supreme Court cases decided through June 30, 1952. This edition is a valuable tool for understanding the Constitution's principles and applications in various legal contexts.

View in Catalog

Upcoming Event

Interior of the Freedom Truck with historic displays.

South Carolina State Library Set to Host the Institute of Museum and Library Services-Sponsored Freedom Truck

September 1, 2026, 11:00 AM

The South Carolina State Library (State Library) is set to host the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)-sponsored Freedom Truck in September. The Freedom Truck is a custom-built, fully mobile museum housed in a semi-truck, offering exhibits that bring America’s history to life in an accessible and engaging way. Visitors are welcome to experience the Freedom Truck for free on September 1 and 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

This Week