Abraham Lincoln endowed all of his rhetoric with vigor and moral energy, no matter the subject: the duty of the citizenry, the coming of freedom, the meaning of governance, the evils of slavery, the value of progress. The speeches selected for this volume by Lincoln expert Allen C. Guelzo are a testament to our history and a window into the mind of one of America's greatest leaders.Penguin Books Civic Classics--The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution--Common Sense/Thomas Paine--The Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay--Lincoln Speeches/Abraham Lincoln--American Political Speeches--Supreme Court DecisionsPenguin presents great essential texts of American civic life in a portable and accessible series for the politically engaged. Richard Beeman and leading experts introduce the founding documents, pivotal historic speeches, important Supreme Court decision, and historic writings, both revolutionary and inspiring, that express core principles and ideals, raise issues, and tell a story about the American experiment in self-government.These are the words, ideas, and actions that have shaped American society and government since their founding and that continue to matter and empower. By mapping out our constitutional history, Civic Classics help us navigate through our present challenges, a journey better enjoyed as a participant rather than a bystander.