Simone Lawson
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. These documents are collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom. The Charters of Freedom were previously controlled by the State Department and were moved to the National Archives in 1952. The National Archives building features a rotunda designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, where the Charters of Freedom are displayed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The National Archives Museum |
| Display | All four pages of the document are on permanent display |
| Protection | Encased in glass with argon gas |
| Accessibility | Open to the public with a ticket purchase |
| Features | Rotunda with a domed ceiling, murals, and interactive galleries |
| Founding Documents | The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC
The National Archives Museum is open to the public, with tickets available for purchase to see the documents firsthand. The Constitution has been on display since 1952, when it was hermetically sealed between glass plates. The case was filled with inert helium gas to protect the document from the corrosive effects of the air. In 2003, the Constitution was moved to a more modern encasement, with the humidity properly controlled to between 25% and 35%argon gas used instead of helium.
The Constitution has millions of visitors each year, and all four pages of the document are on permanent display. The document is also available to view online, with a transcription of the original spelling and punctuation by Jacob Shallus. The website also features letters and journals from key figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, offering a unique insight into the growth of American democracy.
The National Archives also houses other important documents, including the Declaration of Independence, which is considered one of the Charters of Freedom, along with the Constitution and other milestone documents. These documents highlight pivotal moments in American history and government, and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
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The document is located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building
The United States Constitution is located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. The Rotunda was designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, featuring a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by Barry Faulkner, depicting fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The National Archives Museum is open to the public, allowing visitors to view the Constitution firsthand. The document is permanently displayed in the Rotunda, where it is protected and preserved for future generations. The Constitution has had a long and fascinating history since it first went into effect. In 1883, historian J. Franklin Jameson discovered the original copy in a box in a closet in the State, War, and Navy Building. It wasn't until 1894 that the document was sealed between two glass plates and stored in a safe.
In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated a public display of the Constitution at the Library of Congress, where it was carefully sealed and protected against moisture. However, small white spots began to appear on the document, prompting the National Archives to seek help from NASA's atmospheric experts. In 2003, the Constitution was moved to more modern encasements, with improved humidity control and the use of argon gas instead of helium.
Today, visitors can view the Constitution in its modern encasement, ensuring its preservation for years to come. The National Archives Building serves as a testament to the foundational document of American democracy, providing a glimpse into the nation's history and the ideals upon which it was built. Visitors can also explore other exhibits and learn more about the country's founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence.
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The US Constitution was signed on 17 September 1787
The National Archives Museum is home to the US Constitution and is open to the public. The document was originally stored in the State, War, and Navy Building, where it was discovered in a closet by historian J. Franklin Jameson in 1883. It was then sealed and stored in a safe in 1894. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge unveiled a public display of the Constitution at the Library of Congress.
The National Constitution Center also offers an educational experience, with rare artefacts, historic documents, interactive galleries, and live programming. Visitors can even sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.
The US Constitution is the oldest written constitution in operation today. It has been hermetically sealed between glass plates since 1952, with inert helium gas protecting the document from the air's corrosive effects. In 2003, the Constitution was moved to a more modern encasement, with humidity properly controlled and argon gas used instead of helium.
Where is the US Constitution?
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It was ratified on 21 June 1788
The US Constitution was ratified on 21 June 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve the document. This was the last vote needed for the Constitution to become the official framework for the government of the United States of America.
The road to ratification was not easy. After the Revolutionary War, the country was governed by the Articles of Confederation, which allowed states to act more like independent, sovereign nations. However, by 1786, it had become clear that the Articles of Confederation lacked a central authority over foreign and domestic commerce. A stronger, more centralized government was needed to ensure future stability.
Alexander Hamilton of New York led the call for a constitutional convention to reevaluate the nation’s governing document. On 25 May 1787, the Confederation Congress endorsed his initiative, and representatives from all 13 states were invited to convene in Philadelphia to participate in the Convention.
On 17 September 1787, after three months of debate, the new US Constitution was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present. However, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on 7 December 1787, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Other states, like Massachusetts, opposed the document on the grounds that it did not provide protection for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. A compromise was reached in February 1788, with the assurance that amendments would be immediately proposed.
Today, the US Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in operation. It is on display at the National Archives Museum, where millions of visitors can see the document every year.
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There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution
The US Constitution can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington, DC. It is on permanent display alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, which are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. These documents establish the principles of the United States and have inspired the American people to pursue a more perfect union for over two centuries.
Since its ratification in 1789, the US Constitution has undergone 27 amendments, with hundreds of thousands of bills proposed to amend it. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V, which states that an amendment must be proposed by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. A proposed amendment becomes part of the Constitution when ratified by three-quarters of state legislatures or conventions.
The 27th Amendment, ratified in 1992, addresses the financial compensation of members of Congress. It states that no law varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives shall take effect until the next election. This amendment aims to reduce corruption in the legislative branch by preventing changes to the salaries of Congress members until after the next election.
The 27th Amendment has a unique history, as it was first proposed by James Madison in 1791 but was largely forgotten until the late 20th century. In 1982, college student Gregory Watson wrote an essay arguing for its passage and launched a letter-writing campaign to state legislatures. Watson gained enough support to get three-quarters of US states to ratify the amendment by 1992, nearly 200 years after it was first proposed.
The 26th Amendment, ratified in record time, lowered the legal voting age to 18 in all US elections. This amendment was a response to a Supreme Court ruling that Congress only had jurisdiction over federal elections regarding voting age.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
It is located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, along with the Founding Documents, also known as the Charters of Freedom.
The National Archives are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
