Omar Bennett
The Constitution of a country is a crucial document that outlines the principles and framework of its government and legal system. It is a fundamental text that every citizen should have access to, and obtaining a personal copy is often desirable. Fortunately, there are ways to acquire a free copy of the Constitution, and this introduction will explore the various methods and resources available to those seeking to acquire this important document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Booklet |
| Additional content | Key writings from Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson |
| Where to get it | Ashbrook |
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What You'll Learn
Free Constitution and Declaration Booklet from Ashbrook
The Ashbrook Centre offers a free copy of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence in a single booklet. The booklet also includes a helpful Constitution index and writings from Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. These additional writings help readers understand the meaning and significance of the two documents.
The Ashbrook Centre emphasises the importance of considering the Constitution and the Declaration together to fully grasp America's history and principles. The centre encourages people to get their free copy of these essential documents, which they describe as the "greatest charters of human liberty ever created".
To obtain your free copy of the Constitution and Declaration booklet from Ashbrook, you can visit their website and complete an online form. On the form, you will need to provide your contact and address details so they know where to send the booklet.
It is worth noting that the Ashbrook Centre is currently only able to fulfil requests for physical copies within the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, anyone worldwide can access the Constitution and Declaration digitally through various online sources. Additionally, free classroom sets of pocket Constitutions are also available for educators through organisations like the Bill of Rights Institute.
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The framework for understanding America's history and principles
The Constitution of the United States is a document that provides a framework for understanding America's history and principles. It outlines the country's fundamental laws and principles, defining the nation's government structure and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. The Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment, and the original document is on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.
The preamble of the Constitution begins with the famous words, "We the People of the United States," emphasizing that the power to establish the government originates with the people. It goes on to outline the purposes of the Constitution, including forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defence, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty for all Americans.
The Constitution establishes a federal system with a separation of powers, where legislative powers are vested in a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The document outlines the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also defines the powers and limitations of the federal government, with specific provisions for issues such as taxation, interstate commerce, and national defence.
In addition to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence is another crucial document for understanding America's founding principles. The Declaration, authored by Thomas Jefferson, proclaims the colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlines the ideals of liberty, equality, and the right to self-government upon which the nation was founded. Together, the Constitution and the Declaration provide a comprehensive framework for interpreting America's history, values, and political system.
To facilitate understanding, free booklets containing transcriptions of the Constitution and the Declaration are available to the public. These booklets often include additional writings from influential figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, providing context and insight into the meaning and significance of these foundational documents. By offering accessible copies of these texts, individuals are empowered to explore and comprehend the principles and history that have shaped the United States of America.
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Key writings from Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1824 or 1826) was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States. His papers, dating from the early 1760s through to his death, consist of approximately 25,000 items, including his correspondence, drafts of the Declaration of Independence, drafts of Virginia laws, his autobiography, memorandum books, weather records, charts, lists, tables, drawings, notes, maps, recipes, and more.
Some of Jefferson's notable writings include:
- "A Summary View of the Rights of British America" (1774)
- "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms" (1775)
- "Notes on the State of Virginia"
- "An Essay Towards Facilitating Instruction in the Anglo-Saxon and Modern Dialects of the English Language" (1796)
- "Manual of Parliamentary Practice for the Use of the Senate of the United States" (1801)
- His inaugural address, in which he stressed "equal and exact justice to all men", minority rights, and freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
Jefferson's writings provide an invaluable record of the landscape, inhabitants, life, and customs of America during the Revolutionary and early national eras.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, also left behind a significant body of work, including:
- Speeches such as the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, in which he promoted reconciliation between the North and South during the Civil War.
- The Lincoln-Douglas Debates: A series of seven debates between Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate race, covering topics such as slavery and the role of government.
- The Emancipation Proclamation: Issued in 1863, this executive order freed all slaves in the Confederate states during the Civil War.
- Letters, personal writings, and legal documents: Lincoln's collection of papers includes a wide range of correspondence and writings, providing insight into his thoughts and the political climate of his era.
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The document on display at the National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, houses the Founding Documents, also known as the Charters of Freedom. These documents, which include the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, are on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building. Together, these documents establish the principles of the United States and have inspired Americans to strive for a more perfect union for almost 250 years.
The National Archives Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors are recommended to allocate at least 90 minutes to explore the exhibit galleries, which showcase an extensive collection of federal government records. This includes letters, memos, maps, drawings, photographs, films, and artifacts that illustrate the nation's history and highlight the importance of records in upholding our rights and holding elected officials accountable.
The museum is currently undergoing a significant renovation in partnership with the National Archives Foundation to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this transformation, the Public Vaults exhibition is temporarily closed. However, visitors can still view the Founding Documents in the Rotunda and explore the museum's other offerings.
The National Archives Museum provides a wealth of resources for those interested in conducting in-person research. Visitors can access finding aids, military records, online research tools, and ordering information on the museum's website. Directions to the museum, research room policies, and other useful information to prepare for your visit are also available online.
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The Oath of Office for the President of the United States
The presidential oath is as follows:
> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The oath has been garbled on several occasions. In 1925, Chief Justice Taft made a few errors when swearing in President Calvin Coolidge. In 1929, the same Justice made similar mistakes when swearing in President Herbert Hoover. In 2009, Chief Justice John Roberts incorrectly recited the oath to Barack Obama, prompting Obama to wait for him to correct himself. Roberts then followed with "execute faithfully", which is also incorrect. The oath was re-administered the next day at the White House.
The Constitution does not specify what the swearing-in must include. Most presidents have chosen to swear on a Bible, but John Quincy Adams used a book of law, and Teddy Roosevelt did not use any book. The President-elect is usually sworn in by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, but this is not always the case.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get a free copy of the Constitution and Declaration Booklet from Ashbrook.
The booklet also contains key writings from Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson that you won’t find in other Constitution booklets to help you better understand the meaning and significance of the Declaration and Constitution.
The two essential documents must be considered together to understand America’s history and principles in their fullness. The booklet provides the framework for understanding what makes America “the last best hope of earth,” as Abraham Lincoln put it.
You can get your free copy on the Ashbrook website.
