Foundational document — English definition
A text that establishes or defines a nation's principles, rights, or government, such as the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution.
Where it is taught
- Rhetoric in Founding & Historical Documents — Public Argument, Rhetoric & Competing Accounts, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
But every foundational document in American history was first a piece of persuasion, written by specific people, for a specific audience, at a moment when the outcome was anything but certain.
Rhetoric in Founding & Historical Documents
Questions using foundational document
Problem 1
In a foundational document, what is the main purpose of a preamble?
- To announce the document's purpose and the principles that justify it
- To attack the character of an opponent
- To provide a statistical appendix
- To list every law the government will pass
Answer and explanation
To announce the document's purpose and the principles that justify it
A preamble opens a document by stating its purpose and the guiding principles used to justify what follows.