Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government in the world. It was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment and is currently housed in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America and was signed on September 17, 1787, at what is now Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Parchment (animal skin) |
| Type of parchment | Sheepskin |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Number of words | 4,440 |
| Date signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Location signed | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution is written on parchment
The parchment used for the US Constitution was made in Montgomery, New York, in the historic Hudson River Valley. It was produced by hand by Jesse Meyer, a living relative of John Adams and Samuel Adams. Parchment is a type of treated animal skin, typically made from sheepskin. The process of making parchment involves preparing the skin of an animal, typically a sheep, by scraping and stretching it to create a smooth, durable writing surface. The use of parchment for important documents was common in ancient and medieval times, as it was believed to be more durable and long-lasting than paper.
The US Constitution has been reproduced and sold as replicas, often on parchment paper to resemble the original document. These replicas are available in different sizes, including full-size facsimiles and small poster-sized reproductions. The replicas are rolled and tied with red, white, and blue ribbons, and some are even antiqued to look and feel old. The process of creating these replicas involves an aging process exclusive to the National Archives, giving each document a unique appearance.
The US Constitution, being the supreme law of the land, holds great significance in American history and government. Its inscription on parchment, rather than paper, adds to its sense of importance and durability. Parchment was often used for official documents and legal agreements due to its perceived longevity. The use of parchment for the US Constitution emphasizes the permanence and authority of the document.
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Parchment is animal skin, typically sheepskin
The US Constitution is written on parchment, which is a type of treated animal skin, typically made from sheepskin. Parchment has a unique appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that gives it a distinct look and feel. The document is currently housed in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.
The Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on sheepskin parchment, which was produced by hand by Jesse Meyer, a relative of John Adams and Samuel Adams. The parchment was made in Montgomery, New York, in the historic Hudson River Valley. The use of sheepskin parchment adds to the historical significance and value of the document.
Parchment has been used for centuries as a durable writing material, known for its ability to withstand the test of time. It is created by treating animal skin, typically sheepskin, with a combination of scraping, stretching, and drying processes. This treatment removes the hair and prepares the skin for writing, resulting in a smooth and flexible surface.
The choice of parchment for the US Constitution underscores the importance and longevity intended for the document. Parchment was often used for important historical documents, as it was seen as a more prestigious and durable alternative to paper. The use of sheepskin parchment for the Constitution reflects the seriousness and permanence of the nation's founding principles.
While the original Constitution is written on parchment, replicas and facsimiles are available for purchase, some of which are made on parchment paper to mimic the look and feel of the original document. These replicas aim to capture the historical essence of the Constitution, including its distinctive appearance and texture.
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The document is housed in the National Archives
The US Constitution is housed in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The document is on display for the public to view. The National Archives Store also offers a full-size facsimile of the Constitution of the United States, which is available for purchase. This replica has all four separate pages of the original document reproduced on parchment writing paper. The paper has been treated to go through an aging process, giving each document a unique appearance. The replica is made in Philadelphia by a family-owned company.
The original US Constitution was inscribed on parchment by Jacob Shallus. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. The document was signed on September 17, 1787, at what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Constitution lays out the structure of the US Government, including the three branches, their organisation, and the powers granted to each. The spelling and punctuation of the original document have been preserved in the transcription.
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The Constitution was signed on September 17th, 1787
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a process that began with the convening of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787. The Constitution was drafted and debated by the delegates to the Convention over the course of the summer of 1787, and it was signed by 39 delegates from 12 states on September 17th. Notably absent were the delegates from Rhode Island, who refused to attend the Convention because they opposed any changes to the Articles of Confederation, which were the existing governing documents of the United States at the time.
The Constitution was inscribed on parchment, a material made from animal skin, typically sheepskin. The document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum is the original parchment on which the Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus. The spelling and punctuation of the transcribed version reflect the original document.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It lays out the structure of the U.S. government in the form of three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The first three Articles of the Constitution embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, which divides the powers of the federal government among these three branches. The legislative branch, for example, is given the power to make laws, while the executive branch is responsible for carrying out those laws.
The Constitution has only four pages and 4,440 words, making it the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. It has been described as "a miracle" by James Madison, who is considered the Father of the Constitution. The original document has undergone an aging process and has been reproduced on parchment paper, with crinkles and discolouration, for sale by the National Archives Store.
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The original parchment is tied with red, white and blue ribbon
The United States Constitution is a document that was inscribed on parchment by Jacob Shallus. The parchment is animal skin, typically sheepskin, and is unique in appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that causes discolouration. The original parchment is tied with red, white, and blue ribbon and is rolled, never folded, before being packaged. The ribbon adds a decorative touch to the historic document, reflecting its importance and symbolism.
The ribbon's colours may be symbolic, with red representing hardiness and valour, white representing purity and innocence, and blue representing vigilance, perseverance, and justice. These colours are also present in the US flag, further emphasising the unity and ideals of the nation. The ribbon not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also helps to preserve the document by keeping it securely rolled.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America and was completed on September 17, 1787. It was debated, drafted, and signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The document is only four pages long and consists of approximately 4,440 words, making it the shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world.
The original parchment is a significant artefact in American history and is carefully preserved and displayed. The ribbon adds to the visual impact of the document, making it even more striking and iconic. The use of ribbon also conveys a sense of honour and respect for the Constitution and the principles it embodies.
The US Constitution lays out the structure of the US government, including the three branches, their organisation, and the powers granted to each. It establishes a more perfect union, ensures domestic tranquility, provides for the common defence, promotes general welfare, and secures the blessings of liberty for the citizens of the United States. The ribbon-tied parchment is a powerful symbol of the nation's founding principles and a reminder of the enduring importance of the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is written on parchment, specifically sheepskin parchment.
Parchment is a type of paper made from animal skin.
Parchment was likely used for the US Constitution because of its durability. Parchment is created by treating animal skin, which makes it stronger and more long-lasting than regular paper.
The original US Constitution document is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
