Jonah Patel
The pocket-sized edition of the Constitution of the United States of America has been a popular item since its first printing in 1965. While the text of the Constitution is easily accessible for free online, there is something special about having a physical copy that can be carried around and referred to at any time. If you're interested in getting your own pocket Constitution, one option is to contact your local congressman or representative, as they often have copies available to give out. For example, Congressman Mike Turner of Washington, DC, can be contacted for a pocket Constitution. You can also purchase an official 52-page U.S. government version of the pocket Constitution from the GPO for $1.50 with free shipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1.50 |
| Number of pages | 52 |
| Shipping | Free |
| Source | GPO |
| Format | Printed paper, leather-bound |
| Availability | In-person at National Archives in Washington, DC |
| Contact | Congressman Mike Turner, 2183 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515, Phone: 202-225-6465 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pocket Constitution's history
The history of pocket constitutions can be traced back to a 1965 federal initiative when Congress started printing "pocket-sized" editions of the Constitution for distribution to its members. The 1965 edition may have been the first reference to pocket constitutions printed by the federal government, but they weren't the first pocket constitutions. In an 1858 speech about Kansas and popular sovereignty, Representative Eli Thayer of Massachusetts mentioned pocket constitutions, noting that "every man in Kansas has a pocket constitution he made for himself, and every child six years old can say something intelligently to you about the Constitution."
In 1965, Representative Wayne Hays of Ohio made a resolution for the printing of 64,000 pocket-sized copies of the Constitution for the House and Senate. The 2015 House resolution authorized the printing of about 285,000 copies for Congress to use and distribute.
Pocket constitutions have been used by political figures and advocacy groups on both the left and right for many years. They have been known to make an appearance at Town Hall events and during congressional hearings, political rallies, or discussions with police officers.
The National Archives has been distributing copies of the Constitution in various forms since 1952, and its pocket version contains the accurate text of the document with amendments and ratification dates. The National Constitution Center also provides free foldable pocket constitutions to visitors and sells them at its gift store and website.
Several organizations offer pocket constitutions for free or at a low cost, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Government Publishing Office (GPO), and Hillsdale College. The official 52-page U.S. government version of the pocket constitution is available for $1.50 from the GPO, with free shipping.
Who Wants the US Constitution Rewritten?
You may want to see also
How to get a free copy online
A pocket constitution is a printed copy of the United States Constitution that is pocket-sized or pamphlet-sized and can easily fit in a pocket, purse, or small container. While you can purchase the official 52-page U.S. government version of the pocket constitution for $1.50 from the GPO, there are several ways to obtain a free copy online.
The text of the Constitution is easily accessible for free online, and there are printable versions available via the National Archives and Records Administration. These can be downloaded, printed, and assembled at home.
In addition to the official version, there are various other free versions of the pocket constitution available on the internet. A quick online search will yield multiple options for downloadable and printable copies. Some websites, such as Newspapers.com, may also provide historical context and interesting facts about the pocket constitution's origins.
Furthermore, pocket constitutions have been distributed by advocacy groups and political movements, such as the Tea Party movement. These groups often provide free copies of the pocket constitution to promote their causes. Attending political rallies or town hall events, where pocket constitutions are often brandished by participants, could also present an opportunity to obtain a free copy.
By leveraging online resources, taking advantage of free downloadable and printable versions, or engaging with political and advocacy groups, you can easily obtain a free copy of the pocket constitution online or through related events and gatherings.
The Constitution: Uniting a Nation
You may want to see also
Where to buy a physical copy
A pocket constitution is a printed copy of the United States Constitution that is pocket-sized or pamphlet-sized and can fit in a purse or small container. While the text of the Constitution is easily accessible for free online, there are several options for purchasing a physical copy.
The Cato Institute has published a pocket edition (3.5" x 5") of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. With more than six million copies in print, this edition has been widely influential. It has been sold at bookstores, U.S. Park Service stores, and other outlets nationwide.
The official 52-page U.S. government version of the pocket constitution is available for $1.50 from the GPO, with free shipping. This is the 25th edition of the version authorized by the House, and it is often the one brandished by politicians seeking to make a point in public.
You can also purchase a print copy of the "Pocket Constitution" from the GPO's Online Bookstore. This copy includes the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.
Additionally, there are various organizations that offer free pocket constitutions, with some requiring payment for shipping. For example, Hillsdale College offers a free pocket-sized U.S. Constitution with the completion of a form. The Bill of Rights Institute provides class sets of pocket U.S. Constitutions to teachers in the United States who request them, with a maximum of 100 per teacher. Adamson & Cleveland, LLC, a personal injury law firm, offers a complimentary copy of the text with the completion of a simple form. ConstitutionFacts.com also provides a free copy, with a $3 shipping and handling fee.
Emergency Powers: Can Constitution Be Suspended?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Politicians who use them
Pocket Constitutions have been used by politicians on both the left and right for many years. While the text of the Constitution is easily accessible for free online, the pocket-sized versions can be used as a physical representation of Americans' rights. They can be hoisted during a congressional hearing, a political rally, or a discussion with a police officer.
Several former and current political and legal leaders have been known for displaying pocket Constitutions in speeches or presentations, or carrying them at all times. These include Paul Broun, former U.S. Representative from Georgia, and Dennis Kucinich, former U.S. Representative from Ohio. Sam Ervin, Robert Byrd, and Dennis Kucinich showed off their pocket constitutions during the Watergate hearings, the Supreme Court line-item veto decision, and a presidential primary debate, respectively.
Strom Thurmond was known for giving pocket constitutions to Supreme Court nominees, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg thanked him during her confirmation hearings. In 2015, Slate magazine traced the origins of the pocket Constitution to a 1965 federal initiative, with 64,000 copies going to the House and Senate. However, Representative Eli Thayer of Massachusetts mentioned pocket constitutions in an 1858 speech, suggesting that they may have been in use even earlier.
Pocket Constitutions have also made an appearance at Town Hall events, in the hands of guests or the debate moderator. During the 2016 presidential race, Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq, waved a pocket Constitution during his speech at the Democratic National Convention. This led to a surge in interest, with pocket Constitutions becoming the second- and fourth-best sellers on Amazon in the Books category.
The Living Constitution: David Strauss' Perspective
You may want to see also
Why they are significant
Pocket Constitutions are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as a physical representation of Americans' rights. Their small size allows individuals to carry them easily in a pocket, purse, or small container, making them accessible during congressional hearings, political rallies, or discussions with authorities. This portability empowers individuals to assert their rights and refer to the exact wording of constitutional provisions whenever and wherever needed.
Secondly, Pocket Constitutions hold historical significance. While the federal government's printing of pocket-sized editions may have originated in 1965, the concept dates back further. As early as 1858, Representative Eli Thayer of Massachusetts referenced pocket constitutions in a speech, highlighting their presence in Kansas. Over the years, they have been used by figures and advocacy groups across the political spectrum, including during pivotal moments such as the Watergate hearings.
Additionally, Pocket Constitutions are significant in political culture. Politicians and legal leaders have been known to display them during speeches, presentations, and debates to emphasize their points. They have become props that convey a powerful visual message, as exemplified by former ACLU president Susan Herman's recollection of Senator Sam Ervin's use of a Pocket Constitution during the Watergate hearings. This practice continues today, with politicians brandishing pocket constitutions to make a stand in public.
Furthermore, Pocket Constitutions are significant in education and awareness. They are often distributed during Town Hall events, enabling participants to refer to specific constitutional provisions during discussions or debates. Schools and educational institutions also leverage Pocket Constitutions during Constitution Week and Constitution Day in mid-September, fostering a deeper understanding of American democracy among students.
Lastly, Pocket Constitutions are significant in their accessibility. While the text of the Constitution is available online and through the National Archives and Records Administration, the pocket-sized editions offer a tangible and portable alternative. They are affordable, with the official 52-page U.S. government version available at a minimal cost, and free versions are also distributed by various organizations. This accessibility ensures that knowledge of constitutional rights is not limited by financial barriers or digital access.
The Constitution's Long-Standing Legacy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can contact your local congressman or representative to request a pocket constitution. For example, Congressman Mike Turner from Ohio can be contacted at 2183 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515, or by phone at 202-225-6465.
Yes, you can purchase the official 52-page U.S. government version of the pocket constitution from the GPO for $1.50 with free shipping. You can also find free versions online that can be downloaded, printed, and assembled at home.
A pocket constitution is a convenient way to carry a printed copy of the United States Constitution with you wherever you go. It can be a useful reference for understanding your rights and the foundations of American law.
