Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution of the United States is available to view in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. A transcription of the document is also available on the National Archives website. This transcription was created by Jacob Shallus and reflects the original spelling and punctuation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | National Archives Museum |
| Format | Transcription; parchment |
| Spelling and punctuation | Reflect the original |
| Additional information | Constitution Annotated provides a comprehensive overview of how the Constitution has been interpreted over time |
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What You'll Learn
The National Archives Museum
In addition to viewing the Founding Documents, visitors to the National Archives Museum can explore exhibits showcasing the extraordinary holdings of the National Archives. The museum also offers a variety of programs and events to deepen visitors' experiences, including author lectures, family days, and online offerings.
By visiting the National Archives Museum, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its significance in the history of the United States. The museum provides a unique opportunity to view the original document and explore its impact on the nation's founding principles and ongoing pursuit of a perfect union.
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Online at Congress.gov
You can find a copy of the US Constitution online at Congress.gov. This website provides a transcription of the Constitution as it was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment. The document on display is located in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum, and the online transcription reflects the original spelling and punctuation.
The transcription 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 text then goes on to outline the powers granted to the legislative branch of the US government, including the establishment of a Congress consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives. It details the roles and responsibilities of each house, including their powers to make rules, judge elections, and expel members.
Additionally, the transcription covers topics such as territorial ownership, claims, and the guarantee of a republican form of government for each state. It also outlines the roles of the legislative and executive branches in protecting against domestic violence and invasion.
By accessing the Constitution online at Congress.gov, individuals can easily refer to and study this foundational document of US democracy.
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The Rotunda
The original parchment documents were turned over to the Library of Congress by executive order. On February 28, 1924, President Coolidge dedicated a bronze-and-marble shrine for the public display of the Constitution at the Thomas Jefferson Building, the library's headquarters. The documents were moved to the National Archives in 1952, where they have been displayed in the Rotunda since.
The National Archives take several measures to preserve and protect the Charters of Freedom. The documents are displayed during the day in massive, bronze-framed, bulletproof, bombproof, moisture-controlled sealed display cases. At night, they are stored in a fire-, shock-, water-, theft-, and bomb-proof vault. The Rotunda was renovated in 2003 to further ensure the safekeeping of these records. Visitors will notice the cool temperature and low lighting, which are designed to reduce the effects of heat and light on the documents.
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Library of Congress
The Library of Congress holds a variety of resources related to the Constitution of the United States, as well as the constitutions of other nations.
The Library of Congress's digital collections contain a wide range of primary source materials associated with the U.S. Constitution, including government documents, manuscripts, and broadsides. For example, the Printed Ephemera collection comprises 28,000 primary-source items dating from the 17th century to the present, including items related to the Constitution. The Library of Congress also holds the complete George Washington Papers collection, consisting of approximately 65,000 documents, as well as the Thomas Jefferson Papers, consisting of approximately 27,000 documents. The James Madison Papers, consisting of approximately 12,000 items, include Madison's original notes on debates at the Federal Constitutional Convention in 1787.
The Library of Congress also provides access to the full text of the U.S. Constitution, including amendments and proposed amendments not ratified, through its online resources. Additionally, the Library of Congress offers a guide to locating current state constitutions, which provides researchers with tools to search for and compare the language of state constitutions.
Beyond the U.S. Constitution, the Library of Congress also holds resources related to other constitutions, such as the Constitution of India. The Library of Congress provides access to a PDF of the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, and is signed by its framers.
For those interested in obtaining copies of documents from the Library of Congress, the Library's Duplication Services provide access to its collections through a variety of reproduction services for a fee. However, the Library's ability to furnish reproductions is subject to copyright law and certain other restrictions.
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The Constitution Annotated
The online version of The Constitution Annotated is user-friendly, allowing users to browse and search for specific topics of interest. It is a dynamic resource, with plans for broader changes to modernise the content and make it even more accessible.
Additionally, the accompanying Our Constitution podcast enhances understanding by providing an engaging introduction to the nation's charter. Each episode delves into the history and meaning of the Constitution, tailoring its content to complement The Constitution Annotated website.
Together, The Constitution Annotated and the Our Constitution podcast serve as informative tools for those seeking to increase their civic literacy and gain a deeper appreciation of the US Constitution's evolution and interpretation.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is available online via the National Archives.
The US Constitution outlines the country's legislative powers, rules and regulations, and the role of Congress, which consists of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Yes, the copy available online via the National Archives is a transcription of the original document, including original spelling and punctuation.
The original US Constitution is on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.
The US Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment.
