Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 1 (of 16) by United States. Congress instant download

Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 1 (of 16) by United States. Congress instant download

This meticulously compiled volume offers an invaluable glimpse into the formative debates of the U.S. Congress, capturing the political discourse that shaped early American governance. Originally published in 1857 and now available as an eBook through Project Gutenberg (2012, 2024), this abridgment distills key legislative discussions from 1789 to 1856, presenting them in a concise yet comprehensive format.

As the first of sixteen volumes, it lays the groundwork for understanding the ideological clashes and compromises that defined the young republic. The debates cover foundational issues—federalism, states' rights, tariffs, and slavery—revealing the tensions between competing visions of the nation. The language is often dense, reflecting the formal rhetoric of the era, but the content remains deeply relevant for historians, legal scholars, and political enthusiasts.

This particular volume, the first of sixteen, covers a portion of the debates from 1789 to 1856, as compiled from sources like "Annals of Congress," "Register of Debates," and John C. Rives's official reports. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of American politics and the development of its legislative processes.