Sixteen iconic documents face off in a bracket-style tournament as part of the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary
February 2, 2026
Washington, DC – On Sunday, February 1, the National Archives Foundation, in partnership with More Perfect, debuted America’s 100 Docs Sweet 16: a public bracket-style tournament featuring the 16 documents Americans singled out as the most significant from an original slate of 100 historic records held by the National Archives. In America’s 100 Docs Sweet 16, Americans of all ages and backgrounds will have the opportunity to fill out their own bracket and vote on which records will advance each week until one takes the title.
Over the last seven months, nationwide voting in America’s 100 Docs (www.100docs.vote) determined the 16 records that will compete in the Sweet 16 Championship. The 100 records in the first phase of the game span the nation’s founding to September 11, 2001, and include documents, photos, maps, patents, and images.
“In this milestone 250th year, we’re inviting Americans to step into history and help crown the most important document,” said Patrick Madden, Chief Executive Officer of the National Archives Foundation. “Just like the story of our nation’s collective past, the final decision belongs to all of us.”
The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights were purposefully omitted from the first phase of the game and the Sweet 16 because each document’s historical significance is widely acknowledged. To put it simply, the nation’s founding documents would have crushed the competition.
The Sweet 16 records selected by Americans as the most significant from the original 100 documents include (listed in chronological order):
- Articles of Confederation
- Treaty of Paris
- Virginia Plan
- Marbury v. Madison
- Louisiana Purchase Treaty
- Emancipation Proclamation
- 13th Amendment
- 14th Amendment
- 15th Amendment
- 19th Amendment
- Social Security Act
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Roe v. Wade
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Attack on 9/11
“We’re thrilled to partner with the National Archives Foundation on this innovative project that invites every American to engage with the pivotal documents that have shaped our nation,” said John Bridgeland, CEO of More Perfect. “America’s 100 Docs creates a unique opportunity for people to discover important records from our history, and have their voices heard about which documents matter most.”
The National Archives Foundation and More Perfect will announce America’s Most Significant Document, as determined by the public, on March 16, 2026.
One eligible player will win a trip for four to Washington, D.C. for the National Archives’ 250th anniversary celebration on July 4, 2026.
America’s 100 Docs is a partnership between the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect and made possible through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Ibis Group, and Seedlings Foundation.
About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.nationalarcstg.wpenginepowered.com.
About More Perfect
More Perfect is a bipartisan alliance of 43 Presidential Centers, National Archives Foundation, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Karsh Institute for Democracy at the University of Virginia, and more than 100 organizations working together to advance five foundational Democracy Goals: 1) Universal Civic Learning; 2) Expanding National Service & Volunteering; 3) Bridging Divides & Building Trust; 4) Trusted Elections & More Representative and Responsive Governance; and 5) Access to Trusted News & Information.
