This skills-text is the second of four books in the series "Readings in American History." The materials allow opportunities to improve reading and comprehension skills in a subject matter context by using certain primary sources related to the topic. Book 2 covers the period immediately following the American Revolution to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860. Each lesson includes short readings with exercises and questions to allow students to explore the topic. The table of contents includes: (1) "After Independence: The 'Critical Period'"; (2) "The Constitution and the Branches of Government"; (3) "The Bill of Rights"; (4) "The Supreme Court Speaks: Marbury vs. Madison"; (5) "Expanding National Power: The Monroe Doctrine"; (6) "Native Americans and 'The Trail of Tears'"; (7) "The National Spirit: The Webster-Hayne Debate"; (8) "Slavery Remembered"; (9) "Abolitionism and 'Freedom's Journal'"; (10) "Dorothea Dix Speaks Out"; (11) "Women Meet at Seneca Falls"; (12) "The United States Moves Ahead: Canals, Steamboats, and Railroads"; (13) "The World of Work: The United States in the Early 1800s"; and (14) "'Abe' Lincoln and the Election of 1860." A review section, glossary, and teacher's guide are included. (EH)