Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution is a core document of American democracy, establishing a federal system and outlining the rights and responsibilities of the government. The Library of Congress offers a variety of primary source materials associated with the U.S. Constitution, including government documents, manuscripts, and broadsides. The National Archives also provide a transcription of the Constitution as it was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment. Additionally, there is a pocket-sized booklet available, known as the Pocket Constitution, which contains the complete text of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This booklet can be purchased from the GPO's Online Bookstore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Physical copy, digital copy, or transcribed copy |
| Source | National Archives, Library of Congress, GPO's Online Bookstore |
| Additional Content | May include the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's notes, Thomas Jefferson's letters, James Madison's notes, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Library of Congress
If you're interested in obtaining a copy of the US Constitution and happen to be in Washington, D.C., consider visiting the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with a collection of over 170 million items. It is the main research arm of the US Congress and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the nation's capital.
The Library of Congress holds a vast collection of historical documents, including a wide variety of primary source materials associated with the US Constitution. These include government documents, manuscripts, and broadsides. The library's digital collections provide easy access to a wealth of information. For instance, the "A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation" collection offers congressional publications from 1774 to 1875, encompassing debates, bills, laws, and journals.
Additionally, the library houses the George Washington Papers, consisting of approximately 65,000 documents. This collection includes a printed copy of the Constitution with marginal notes by George Washington himself, dated September 12, 1787. You can also find the Thomas Jefferson Papers, comprising around 27,000 documents. Thomas Jefferson received a copy of the Constitution in November 1787 while residing in France, and his letters to James Madison contain his thoughts on the new Constitution.
The Library of Congress also holds the James Madison Papers, containing about 12,000 items that document the life of the man known as the "Father of the Constitution." This collection includes John C. Payne's copy of James Madison's original notes on the debates during the Federal Convention of 1787, providing valuable insights into the creation of the Constitution.
When visiting the Library of Congress, be sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to enter the reading rooms and request access to the collections. The library's website provides detailed information on visiting hours, research facilities, and any restrictions that may be in place.
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Purchase a pocket-sized booklet
If you are looking to purchase a pocket-sized booklet of the US Constitution, there are a few options available to you. The Bill of Rights Institute offers free classroom sets of pocket constitutions, which are available on a rolling basis and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. They also offer the option to purchase these booklets on their store.
The National Archives Store also sells a pocket-sized hardcover book of the US Constitution, which is made in the USA and includes the complete text of the Constitution, as well as all of its amendments. This edition also includes the Declaration of Independence. You can take advantage of their sales and discount codes to get a good deal on your purchase.
Additionally, you can purchase a print copy of the "Pocket Constitution" from GPO's Online Bookstore. This booklet contains the complete text of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, two core documents of American democracy.
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View the National Archives Museum copy
The US National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, houses the founding documents of the United States, also known as the Charters of Freedom. These documents are located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, at 701 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with free admission.
On permanent display in the museum are all four pages of the original US Constitution document, transcribed on parchment by Jacob Shallus. The spelling and punctuation of the transcription reflect the original. The Constitution is one of the founding documents that establish the principles of the United States and have inspired the pursuit of a more perfect union for almost 250 years.
The National Archives Museum also offers a range of programs and events to enhance the visitor experience, including author lectures and family days. These events are designed to offer something for everyone, with both in-person and online options available. The museum's website provides information about upcoming events and exhibits, allowing visitors to plan their visit and deepen their understanding of the National Archives.
In addition to viewing the original copy of the US Constitution, visitors to the National Archives Museum can explore exhibits showcasing the extraordinary holdings of the National Archives. These exhibits provide valuable insights into the history and foundation of the United States, making the National Archives Museum a significant educational and cultural destination.
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Access online via the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and it offers access to its collections both online and in person. While a majority of the collections have not yet been digitized, the Library of Congress does offer a variety of digital collections, including maps, photographs, letters, diaries, newspapers, sound recordings, and historic films.
To access the Library of Congress online, you can use the online catalog to search the library's collections by keyword or browse materials by subject, title, author, and more. You can also interact with knowledgeable librarians and subject specialists online, who can provide research assistance without any registration requirement.
Additionally, the Library of Congress offers a variety of online resources and tools to explore, such as the ability to volunteer online with the "By the People" initiative to help transcribe, review, and tag digitized material, making documents more searchable for everyone. You can also subscribe to a series of interviews, story chapters, lectures, and even historic first-person narratives.
While you can access many of the Library of Congress's resources and collections online, obtaining a library card must be completed in person at the library. However, you can pre-register online by completing a simple web form up to two weeks before your visit to save some time. During your visit, you will need to present valid identification, provide a digitized signature, and have your photo taken for your library card.
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Read George Washington's copy
George Washington's copy of the US Constitution is kept at the National Archives. It was put on view for the public in September and October 2012, along with the Acts of Congress, which could be viewed until February 2013. The two documents offered a unique insight into history through the eyes of America's first president.
Washington's copy is the Constitutional Convention's first draft of the Constitution, which he annotated alongside William Jackson, the Convention's Secretary. The draft consists of seven pages, printed by John Dunlap and David Claypoole of Philadelphia. Only page five was exhibited, as it features the section of the draft describing the executive's powers.
The document was later displayed at the Mount Vernon Museum on Constitution Day, September 17. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association acquired the Acts of Congress volume at a Christie's auction in New York in 2012. The volume is now a centrepiece for the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, which opened at Mount Vernon in the fall of 2013.
In his copy of the Constitution, Washington left handwritten notes as he composed his first State of the Union address. The document is contained within a volume of the first Acts of Congress.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a copy of the US Constitution on the website of the National Archives.
You can purchase a physical copy of the US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence, from the GPO's Online Bookstore. You can also find physical copies on Amazon.
Physical copies of the US Constitution are available in pocket-sized booklets, which can fit in your purse or briefcase.
Yes, some copies include an index, making it easier to search for specific words or passages. They may also include quotes from the Founding Fathers.
You may be able to find free copies of the US Constitution at your local library or through online searches. Additionally, the National Archives provide free access to view the document on their website.
