Isabella Carter
The US Constitution is the oldest constitution in use by any country, dating back to 1787. It is the founding document of the United States, and its ratification by nine states established the Constitution between those states. The Constitution outlines the country's American ideals of liberty, equality, democracy, respect for the rule of law, and patriotism. It covers various topics, including the establishment of a more perfect union, the role of Congress, legislative powers, and the regulation of militias. With its complex sentences and legal language, the US Constitution may take some time to read and comprehend fully. So, how long does it take to read this important document?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to read the US Constitution out loud | 45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Read time: 45 minutes
The US Constitution, the oldest constitution in use by any country, was signed on September 17, 1787. It is a relatively concise document, and it takes approximately 45 minutes to read it out loud.
The Constitution is the founding document of the United States and outlines the country's fundamental laws and governing principles. It establishes a federal system with a division of powers between the national government and the states. The document consists of seven articles, which cover areas such as legislative, executive, and judicial powers, as well as the relationships between the different branches of government.
The first three articles of the Constitution address the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, respectively. The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, led by the President, is tasked with executing and enforcing those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets the laws and ensures that they are applied fairly and justly.
Articles four, five, and six of the Constitution address relations between the states and the national government. They outline the responsibilities and powers of each level of government, including how laws are enforced and how disputes between states are resolved. The seventh article of the Constitution outlines the process for ratifying the document and establishing it as the supreme law of the land.
While the US Constitution is a relatively short document, its impact is profound. It has served as a model for other constitutions worldwide and remains a vital part of American democracy, providing the framework for the country's system of government and protecting the rights and liberties of its citizens.
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Transcription availability
The US Constitution is available online as a transcription by the National Archives. The text is a transcription of the Constitution as it was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment, which is the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The spelling and punctuation of the transcription reflect the original.
The transcription is presented in a similar format to the original, with the words "done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independance of the United States of America the Twelfth". This is followed by the signatures of the Founding Fathers: "In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names, G°. Washington Presidt and deputy from Virginia · Geo: Read Gunning Bedford jun John Dickinson Richard Bassett Jaco: Broom ·".
The transcription also includes the preamble, which begins with the famous words: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America".
The transcription is a valuable resource for those who wish to read and understand the US Constitution, which is the supreme law of the United States. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the federal government and the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the people.
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Reading speed
The length of time it takes to read the US Constitution depends on one's reading speed. The Constitution of the United States, transcribed on the National Archives website, is approximately 3,300 words long. According to the National Adult Literacy Agency, the average reading speed of an adult is about 200 to 250 words per minute. Using this average speed, it would take someone approximately 13 to 17 minutes to read the entire US Constitution.
However, it is important to note that reading speed can vary greatly depending on a person's reading ability, familiarity with the content, and level of comprehension. Some people may read faster or slower than the average speed, and the time it takes to read the US Constitution can vary accordingly.
For slower readers or those who want to thoroughly understand the content, it may take longer to read the Constitution. In this case, it could take upwards of 20 to 30 minutes to read through the entire document carefully. On the other hand, faster readers or those with a legal background who are familiar with the content may be able to read the Constitution in a shorter amount of time, possibly even less than 10 minutes.
Additionally, the format of reading can also impact the reading speed. Reading the Constitution out loud, as done by the City of Bluffdale, may take longer due to the pace of speaking compared to silent reading. Their live reading event in 2024 is expected to take 45 minutes, which includes turns taken by students, community leaders, and actors.
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Readability
The US Constitution is a relatively concise document, and its length is comparable to that of a short essay. The time it takes to read the US Constitution depends on various factors, including reading speed and comprehension level. On average, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to read the entire document.
The Constitution's readability is influenced by its complex sentence structure and advanced vocabulary. It is written in a style that reflects the language and conventions of the late 18th century, when it was drafted and ratified. The document employs legal and political terminology that may be unfamiliar to modern readers, such as "writ of habeas corpus," "ex post facto law," and "capitation tax." Additionally, the Constitution contains intricate concepts and ideas that require careful consideration and analysis.
While the Constitution is considered a challenging read, several strategies can improve comprehension. One approach is to supplement the reading with explanatory materials, such as annotations, commentaries, or educational resources that provide historical context and explain the implications of each section. These supplementary materials can help readers better understand the document's complex provisions and their relevance in the American political system.
Another strategy is to read the Constitution aloud, as it was originally intended to be heard and discussed. Reading aloud can assist with comprehension and help identify areas that require further clarification. Additionally, joining or forming a reading group can facilitate discussion and collective understanding of the document.
To enhance readability, some have suggested modernizing the language of the Constitution to make it more accessible. This includes using bullet points instead of lengthy sentences and improving punctuation to enhance clarity. However, any changes to the Constitution's wording would require careful consideration to ensure the preservation of the original intent and meaning.
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Public readings
This event is a creative way to educate the community about the Constitution, fostering a deeper understanding of American ideals such as liberty, equality, democracy, respect for the rule of law, and patriotism. By involving students and community members, the City of Bluffdale encourages active participation in learning about the nation's history and governance.
The US Constitution, transcribed by Jacob Shallus and on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum, consists of seven articles outlining the powers and structure of the federal government. It establishes the legislative branch, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, with the latter being composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the states.
The Constitution also addresses the establishment of law, the role of the Supreme Court, and the declaration of war. Additionally, it covers the raising of armies, with a stipulation that no money appropriation for this purpose shall exceed a term of two years. The document further mentions the migration or importation of persons, habeas corpus, and the prohibition of certain taxes.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes approximately 45 minutes to read the US Constitution out loud.
The US Constitution is the oldest constitution of any country that is still in use. It was signed on September 17, 1787, and established the legislative powers of the US government.
The US Constitution includes information on the legislative powers of the US government, such as the establishment of a Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the powers to declare war, raise armies, and define and punish piracies and felonies.
The US Constitution is available to view at the National Archives Museum, where it is inscribed on parchment. You can also find transcriptions of the US Constitution online.
