Isabella Carter
The original U.S. Constitution is on permanent exhibit in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The document was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment, and the spelling and punctuation reflect the original. The National Archives Store also offers a full-size four-page replica of the Constitution, reproduced on parchment writing paper. This replica is made in the U.S.A. and has a unique appearance due to the aging process exclusive to the National Archives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Rotunda at the National Archives Museum |
| Format | Inscribed on parchment by Jacob Shallus |
| Spelling and punctuation | Reflect the original |
| Available formats | Physical, digital, and transcribed |
| Replicas | Full-size four-page replicas are available for purchase |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The original is on display at the National Archives Museum
The original copy of the US Constitution is on permanent public display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The document is preserved behind UV-protected glass to prevent discolouration. It is displayed alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, which together comprise the Charters of Freedom.
The US Constitution is the country's supreme law and outlines the framework of the US national government. It was inscribed on parchment by Jacob Shallus in 1787 and consists of four separate pages. The first three of these pages embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
The National Archives Museum also offers full-size replicas of the US Constitution for sale. These replicas are made in the USA on parchment paper and feature an exclusive aging process that gives each document a unique appearance. They are available for purchase individually or as part of a bundle with replicas of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The National Archives Museum is dedicated to preserving and providing access to the historical records of the United States. The museum's holdings include a vast collection of documents, artifacts, and records that tell the story of the nation's history, including the creation and evolution of the US Constitution. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that showcase the original founding documents, as well as learn about the historical context and significance of these records in the development of the United States as a nation.
Gale-force Winds: UK Definition and Thresholds
You may want to see also
Replicas are available to purchase
Replicas of the US Constitution are available to purchase from a variety of retailers. Amazon offers a full-size replica printed on antiqued genuine parchment, measuring 23 x 29 inches. This replica has received positive reviews, with customers praising its quality and resemblance to the original document. It is shipped in a plastic collector's tube, making it a great option for collectors or history enthusiasts.
The National Archives Store also offers a full-size four-page replica of the US Constitution, made in the USA. This replica is produced on parchment paper and goes through an exclusive aging process, giving each document a unique appearance. It is recommended to frame this replica behind UV-protective coated glass to prevent discoloration over time. With a price range of $10.01 to $25.00, it is an affordable option for those interested in owning a piece of American history.
Walmart also offers a replica of the US Constitution printed on antiqued parchment paper. While pricing information is not readily available, this replica is a great option for educational purposes or as a teaching aid. Additionally, the U.S. Government Bookstore offers an official publication containing the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence in a pocket-sized format. This handy document can be easily transported, serving as a reminder of the structure and operation of the US government.
These replicas of the US Constitution provide individuals with the opportunity to own a piece of history and deepen their understanding of the foundation of American democracy. Whether for personal, educational, or collectible purposes, purchasing a replica of this important document allows people to connect with the past and appreciate the significance of the US Constitution in shaping the nation's future.
Foundations of the US Constitution
You may want to see also
It was inscribed by Jacob Shallus
The original copy of the United States Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus, a Pennsylvania Assembly clerk and Revolutionary War veteran. Shallus was the son of German immigrants, Valentine Schallus and Frederica Catherina. His father immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1747, and Shallus was born the following year. He had a brother, Thomas Shallus, who was a mapmaker.
Shallus served as Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He was chosen as the engrosser, or penman, of the Constitution due to his proximity to the convention's meeting place and their desire for speedy drafting. Shallus' name does not appear on the document itself, but his identity was later revealed through an investigation in 1937.
The handwritten document inscribed by Shallus is on display in the Rotunda of the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. The spelling and punctuation of the document reflect the original, including some discrepancies noted in the transcription. Shallus' contribution to the Constitution is honoured in the book "The Man Behind the Quill" by Arthur Plotnik, which provides a biographical account of his life.
Outside of his role in inscribing the Constitution, Shallus led a notable life. He married Elizabeth Melchor, sister of Col. Isaac Melcher, in 1771, and they had a son, Francis Shallus, who became a renowned engraver. Shallus also served as a quartermaster of Pennsylvania's 1st Battalion during the Revolutionary War and assisted in outfitting a privateering vessel called the Retrieve.
The Sheriff's Place in the Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $3.89
It's written on parchment paper
The United States Constitution is written on parchment paper. The document is on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment paper, and the spelling and punctuation reflect the original document. The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and was completed on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was debated, drafted, and signed at Independence Hall, now known as the Constitution Hall. The document is rolled and tied with red, white, and blue ribbons.
The US Constitution is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government in the world, consisting of 4,440 words and only four pages. It lays out the structure of the US government, including the three branches, their organization, and the powers granted to each. The Constitution acted as a merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures under one national government. It also vested power in the union of the people, outlining their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
The Preamble of the Constitution 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." This part of the Constitution emphasizes the role of the people in establishing a just and unified nation.
The Constitution also outlines the legislative powers granted to the Congress of the United States, which consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states. The Electors in each state must have the qualifications required for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature. Additionally, the Constitution addresses the promotion of science and the arts, granting exclusive rights to authors and inventors for their writings and discoveries.
Public Health Emergencies: Can They Override the Constitution?
You may want to see also
It originally consisted of seven articles
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It originally consisted of seven articles, which make up the structural constitution, and 27 amendments. The seven articles define the basic framework of the federal government. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.
Article I describes the legislative branch of the federal government, which consists of a bicameral Congress. It establishes the manner of election and the qualifications of members of each body. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, be a citizen of the United States for seven years, and live in the state they represent. Article II describes the executive branch, which consists of the president and subordinate officers. Article III covers the judicial branch, which consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
Article IV, Article V, and Article VI embody concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the relationship between the states and the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment. The Seventeenth Amendment (1913), for example, modifies the way senators are elected, stipulating that they are to be elected by direct popular vote. The Twentieth Amendment (1933) changes the date on which a new president, vice president, and Congress take office, shortening the time between Election Day and the beginning of their terms.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added in 1791 and include the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms. The original text and all prior amendments remain untouched, with amendments usually indicated by bracketing or italicizing to show that they have been repealed.
Texas Constitution: Which Party Was Dominant?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The original copy of the US Constitution is kept at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.
Yes, the National Archives Museum is open to the public, allowing anyone who purchases a ticket to see the document firsthand.
The room that displays the US Constitution is called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
The US Constitution is stored alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The US Constitution was hermetically sealed between glass plates in 1952. The case was filled with inert helium gas to protect the document from the corrosive effects of normal air. In 2003, the Constitution was moved to more modern encasements, with argon gas used instead of helium.
