Eleanor Finch
The Constitution of a country is a crucial document that outlines the fundamental principles and laws that govern the nation. It is a cornerstone of any democracy, and it is essential for citizens to understand its contents. For those interested in obtaining a copy of the United States Constitution, there are several options available. The Bill of Rights Institute provides free pocket-sized booklets of the Constitution, which are particularly useful for educators and students. The National Archives also offers a transcription of the Constitution, including the original spelling and punctuation, which can be accessed online. Additionally, the University of Washington Libraries holds an annual Constitution Reading event, where participants can engage with the full text of the Constitution and explore its historical and modern significance. These resources ensure that individuals can easily access and learn about the fundamental laws that shape their country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Pocket-sized booklets |
| Availability | First-come, first-served basis |
| Quantity | Bulk orders |
| Source | Bill of Rights Institute |
| Target Audience | Educators and schools |
| Additional Resources | Primary Source Essentials podcast, teaching resources |
| Display | Original document on display at the National Archives Museum |
| Access | Full text available online at National Archives |
| Events | Annual UW Constitution Reading |
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What You'll Learn
Free classroom copies
Teachers looking for free classroom copies of the US Constitution have several options. The Bill of Rights Institute provides free classroom sets of pocket US Constitutions to educators in the United States on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a maximum of 100 per teacher, and requests are shipped via media mail, so delivery may take four to six weeks.
Another option is to request a complimentary copy from Adamson & Cleveland, LLC, a personal injury law firm that serves clients throughout Gwinnett County and the Greater Atlanta area. Teachers simply need to complete a form to have it sent to their home at no cost. These copies include the Declaration of Independence in addition to the Constitution.
ConstitutionFacts.com also offers free pocket Constitutions, though teachers will need to pay $3 to cover the cost of shipping and handling.
Free online copies of the US Constitution are also available and can be printed out. The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, for example, provides a PDF version of the Constitution that includes the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. The National Constitution Center also offers a PDF version of the Constitution on its website and via its app.
For those looking for a physical copy, Hillsdale College offers a free pocket-sized version of the US Constitution. Teachers simply need to complete a form to receive their copy.
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Bulk orders
If you're looking to place bulk orders for free copies of the US Constitution, there are a few options available. Firstly, The Bill of Rights Institute provides free classroom sets of pocket U.S. Constitutions to teachers in the United States. There is a maximum of 100 copies per teacher, and requests are shipped via media mail, so delivery can take up to six weeks.
Another option is to contact the Cato Institute, which offers discounted rates for bulk orders of 100 copies or more. While not entirely free, the price per copy decreases with larger orders, and they can provide a quote for bulk purchases.
Additionally, Hillsdale College offers free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. To receive these, you need to complete a form specifying where to send the copies. However, they currently only fulfil orders within the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
For those outside of these regions, ConsitutionFacts.com provides free copies of the text, but there is a $3 charge to cover shipping and handling. Adamson & Cleveland, LLC, a personal injury law firm, also offers complimentary copies of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence with no cost for shipping. Simply complete their online form to request your copy.
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Online transcriptions
There are several places where you can access free online transcriptions of the US Constitution. The National Constitution Center website offers the full text of the Constitution online, as well as through an app that can be downloaded to your device. The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy also provides a PDF version of the Constitution, which includes The Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Additionally, Congress.gov offers a free annotated version of the text, while the National Archives website features a transcription of the Constitution as it was originally inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment. For those specifically interested in the Bill of Rights, the Bill of Rights Institute provides free classroom sets of Pocket Constitutions, which include the Bill of Rights, on a rolling basis.
Beyond these sources, the U.S. Government Publishing Office's online bookstore offers copies of the Constitution and other important documents, such as The Declaration of Independence, at a low price, sometimes as low as $1.50 with free shipping. The Heritage Foundation also offers a pocket-sized paper booklet that includes both The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution for $1. For those interested in multiple copies, the Cato Institute offers the Constitution for $4.95, with discounts for bulk orders of 10 or more copies.
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Community-led readings
Community-led initiatives are a great way to foster a deeper understanding of the Constitution within local communities. One example is the University of Washington's (UW) annual Constitution Reading event, organised by the Community Engagement & Leadership Education (CELE) Center. This event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, who come together to read and discuss the full text of the Constitution. Participants can register to read sections of the document, and special guest speakers are also invited to attend. This community-led reading encourages critical examination of the Constitution's historical and modern-day significance, reflecting on its relevance, its impact on our daily lives, and its role in a functioning democracy.
The Bill of Rights Institute also plays a significant role in promoting community engagement with the Constitution. They offer free classroom sets of Pocket Constitutions on a rolling basis, primarily aimed at educators and schools. These booklets provide an accessible way to teach and learn about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Institute also has a range of other resources available, such as podcasts and discussions that delve into specific aspects of the Constitution, like the 9th and 14th Amendments, and their interpretation by the Supreme Court.
In addition to these organised initiatives, community members can take it upon themselves to foster a deeper understanding of the Constitution within their local communities. One way to do this is by organising community readings of the Constitution, similar to the UW model, where participants take turns reading sections of the document. These readings can be augmented with discussions on the relevance and importance of the Constitution in our daily lives, exploring how its principles impact the community at a local level.
Another way to engage the community is by hosting educational workshops or seminars focused on specific aspects of the Constitution. These could be led by community members with legal or historical expertise or by invited guest speakers. The workshops could cover topics such as the historical context of the Constitution's creation, significant amendments and their impact, and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution, as seen in the transcribed version of the Constitution available from the National Archives. By providing an interactive and engaging learning environment, community members can gain a deeper understanding of their rights and the foundations of American democracy.
Furthermore, community centres, libraries, or schools can create displays or exhibits centred around the Constitution. This could include showcasing copies of the Constitution, historical artefacts related to its development, or visual aids that illustrate its key principles. Accompanying these displays could be educational workshops, film screenings, or guest lectures that delve further into the document's significance. By creating a dedicated space for community members to gather and learn about the Constitution, these exhibits can foster a sense of collective ownership and appreciation for this foundational document.
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Pocket Constitutions
The Cato Institute has published a pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights and all the Amendments. This pocket-sized edition is easy to transport and can be a useful reminder of how the government is structured and operates. It can be purchased from bookstores, US Park Service stores, and other outlets nationwide.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also offers pocket-sized booklets containing the full text of the Constitution, the Amendments, and the Bill of Rights. These booklets can be purchased in packs of 10 and are designed to fit in a backpack, glove compartment, or back pocket.
Additionally, the Bill of Rights Institute provides free classroom sets of pocket constitutions to educators and schools on a rolling basis, depending on stock availability. These booklets have been donated to schools and are also available for purchase on their website.
The US Government Bookstore offers a pocket edition of the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence, which can be ordered in sets of three or more copies. This publication outlines the framework of national government and is a useful resource for students learning about civics and American government.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get free copies of the US Constitution from the Bill of Rights Institute. They offer bulk orders of pocket constitutions for classrooms and schools.
Yes, the National Archives provides free access to a transcription of the US Constitution on its website. Additionally, the University of Washington (UW) Libraries holds an annual UW Constitution Reading, where students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to read and examine the full text of the Constitution.
Yes, the Bill of Rights Institute accepts requests for free classroom sets of pocket constitutions. These are provided on a rolling basis and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, many websites provide free access to the full text of the US Constitution. You can refer to trusted sources such as government websites or educational institutions for accurate and up-to-date digital versions.
The Bill of Rights Institute offers various free resources to help teach the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They provide educational content, such as their "Primary Source Essentials" series, which discusses the principles of self-government and the importance of the Constitution. These resources are designed to support educators and enhance understanding of the document.
