Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution is a vital document that outlines the country's fundamental laws and principles. It serves as the framework for the US government and legal system, with various amendments protecting the rights of citizens. Given its significance, it is essential for individuals, educators, and students to have access to the Constitution. Fortunately, there are several ways to obtain a copy, either physically or digitally. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the different methods to request and acquire a copy of the US Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free Pocket Constitution | The Bill of Rights Institute, Hillsdale College, Adamson & Cleveland LLC, ConstitutionFacts.com, The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, The National Constitution Center |
| Online Copies | The National Constitution Center, The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy |
| Bulk Orders | The Bill of Rights Institute |
| Educational Resources | The Bill of Rights Institute, The National Constitution Center |
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What You'll Learn
Free online copies
There are several ways to obtain free online copies of the Constitution. Firstly, you can visit ConstitutionFacts.com, where you can access the text for free. While you will need to pay a small fee for shipping if you want a physical copy, the online version can be read and printed at no cost. The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy also provides a PDF version of the Constitution, which includes The Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. This can be downloaded and printed for free.
Additionally, The National Constitution Center offers both a website and an app that provide free access to the full text of the Constitution. This means you can conveniently read the document on your phone or other digital devices. For those specifically interested in an annotated version of the text, Congress.gov offers a free online copy with annotations.
If you are an educator, you may also request free classroom sets of Pocket Constitutions from the Bill of Rights Institute. These are provided on a rolling basis and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hillsdale College also offers a free pocket-sized U.S. Constitution, which can be shipped to addresses in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Finally, Ashbrook provides a free Constitution and Declaration Booklet, which includes key writings from Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson to help readers better understand the meaning and significance of these documents.
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Free physical copies
There are several ways to obtain a free physical copy of the US Constitution. Hillsdale College offers a free pocket-sized version of the US Constitution, which includes the Declaration of Independence. To get your copy, simply complete a form on their website and specify your address. They currently ship to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Another option is to request a copy from Adamson & Cleveland, LLC, a personal injury law firm serving Gwinnett County and the Greater Atlanta area. They offer a complimentary copy of the US Constitution, including the Declaration of Independence, to those who complete a simple form on their website.
If you are a teacher in the United States, you can request a class set of pocket US Constitutions from The Bill of Rights Institute website. There is a maximum of 100 copies per teacher, and requests are shipped via media mail, so allow for a few weeks for delivery.
Additionally, ConstitutionFacts.com offers a free pocket Constitution, but you will need to pay a small fee for shipping and handling.
For those who have access to a printer, there are also free online versions of the US Constitution that can be downloaded and printed. The National Constitution Center website provides a printable copy, as well as an app that gives you the full text on your phone. The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy also offers a PDF version of the Constitution, which includes the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
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Amendments
The United States Constitution has a two-step process for amendments, as outlined in Article Five. Firstly, an amendment must be proposed and sent to the states for ratification. This can be done in two ways: by the US Congress, with a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives; or by a national convention called by Congress, on the application of two-thirds of state legislatures.
The second step is for the amendment to be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 since 1959). This can be done by state ratifying conventions in three-fourths of the states, or by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. The Archivist of the United States is responsible for administering the ratification process and issuing a certificate when it is complete.
Since the Constitution came into operation on March 4, 1789, there have been 27 amendments, with a further six proposed but not ratified by enough states. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified together on December 15, 1791. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are collectively referred to as the Reconstruction Amendments.
The process of amending the Constitution was designed to balance the need for change with the need for stability. Amendments cover a wide range of topics, from taxation to voting rights and the prohibition of alcohol.
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Interpreting the Constitution
One approach to interpretation is "originalism," advocated by some Supreme Court justices. Originalists argue that the meaning of the Constitution is fixed and should be understood based on its public interpretation at the time of ratification. They believe that their approach is mandated by the Constitution itself. However, critics of originalism, such as Cass Sunstein, argue that the Constitution does not provide instructions for its interpretation. Instead, Sunstein proposes that any interpretation method must be justified by its broader implications for rights, institutions, and democratic ideals.
Another method of interpretation is textual analysis, where judges scrutinize the words and language of the Constitution. This involves considering the common understandings and definitions of the words at the time the provisions were added. By examining the text, judges can interpret the intentions and meanings of the Constitution's framers.
Judges also consider tradition, examining laws, customs, and practices established after the Constitution's framing and ratification. This approach provides insight into how the Constitution has been applied and understood over time. Additionally, judges may apply structural analysis, inferring rules regarding power relationships between institutions from the relationships outlined in the Constitution.
Judicial precedent is another crucial aspect of interpretation. Judges rely on precedents set by previous rulings to guide their decisions in new cases. This ensures consistency and stability in the interpretation and application of the Constitution. Furthermore, judges may consider the consequences of their rulings, balancing the costs and benefits, including the implications for judicial power and competence.
Natural law and morality also play a role in interpretation. Judges may draw on moral reasoning, whether from the natural law tradition or their independent judgments, to guide their interpretations. This adds an ethical dimension to the interpretation process.
In conclusion, interpreting the Constitution is a multifaceted endeavour that requires a range of tools and approaches. Judges and legal scholars must consider historical context, textual analysis, tradition, structure, precedent, consequences, and morality to derive meaningful interpretations that respect rights, institutions, and democratic values. The interpretation of the Constitution has a profound impact on the lives of Americans, shaping their rights and freedoms.
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Teaching the Constitution
First, provide historical context. The Constitution of the United States was created in 1787 and ratified in 1788. However, this was not the country's first attempt at a constitution. The Thirteen Colonies, upon declaring independence from Great Britain, drafted the Articles of Confederation, also known as the Articles. It is also important to note that the Constitution has been amended 27 times since its creation. Notable amendments include the Fifteenth Amendment, which states that the government cannot prevent people from voting based on race, and the Nineteenth Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. Providing students with a timeline of important events and amendments can help them understand the historical context of the Constitution.
Next, encourage active learning through simulations and games. One simulation involves assigning students identities as Federalists or Anti-Federalists. Students then research and debate issues from their assigned perspectives, such as how representatives in Congress should be chosen or how long presidential terms should be. Another activity involves students assuming the role of New England pamphleteers in 1787, interviewing fellow citizens and choosing a side to support. Games and simulations engage students and help them understand the differing viewpoints surrounding the Constitution.
Additionally, analyzing primary sources and documents is crucial. Students can examine the text of the Constitution, identifying the "Six Big Ideas" and their relationship to current political issues. They can also explore how the Constitution has been applied to protect citizens' rights and the key amendments that have been made. Understanding the core constitutional principles and their relevance today is essential.
Finally, studying the Founders themselves can provide insight into the government they created. Students can explore the relationships between the Founders, creating a social network to understand their connections. By analyzing the intentions of the Founders, students can better comprehend the Constitution and its significance.
By combining historical context, active learning, primary source analysis, and the study of the Founders, teachers can effectively engage students in understanding the complexities of the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy provides a free PDF version of the US Constitution, including the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Hillsdale College and Adamson & Cleveland, LLC both offer free pocket-sized copies of the US Constitution. All you need to do is fill out a form and they will send it to your home address.
Yes, the National Constitution Center offers a free mobile app that gives you access to the full text of the US Constitution on your phone.
Yes, the Bill of Rights Institute provides free classroom sets of pocket constitutions to teachers in the United States. You can request up to 100 copies per teacher, and they are shipped via media mail, so please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
The Bill of Rights Institute also offers the option to purchase bulk orders of pocket constitutions for your school or classroom.
