Rights in America

Explore the ways Americans have fought for, attained, and protected their rights.

The Struggle for Rights in America

Many documents at the National Archives illustrate how individuals and groups asserted their rights as Americans. Use this site to explore the topics of slavery, racism, citizenship, women’s independence, immigration, and more.

Explore an entire exhibit devoted to “Records of Rights” at recordsofrights.org and in person at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., where documents from the holdings of the National Archives illustrate how Americans have endeavored to define, secure, and protect their rights.

COVER IMAGES

Left Column (Top to Bottom) President Bush Signs the ADA into Law, Bill of Rights, Women’s Suffrage Day in Fountain Square.

Right Column (Top to Bottom) Official Program for the March on Washington, Voters in Alabama, Exclusion Order Directing Removal of Persons of Japanese Ancestry, Freedom of Speech Poster.