Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution has served as a model for governance worldwide, influencing the constitutions of other nations with its principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and recognition of individual rights. Amendments to the Constitution are appended to the original document, which was handwritten on parchment by Jacob Shallus. This original document contains several words and phrases that have been lined through, indicating changes or corrections made during the drafting process. These lined-through prices are a result of the Constitution's evolution and the addition of amendments over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum bid | $1 million |
| Minimum price | None |
| Number of copies printed | 100 |
| Number of copies that still exist | 8 |
| Number of copies publicly owned | 7 |
| Number of copies sold in 1891 | 1 |
| Selling price in 1891 | $400 |
| Number of copies sold by Sotheby's in 2021 | 1 |
| Selling price in 2021 | $43.2 million |
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What You'll Learn
Amendments to the US Constitution
The US Constitution has served as a model for governance worldwide, influencing the constitutions of other nations. Amendments to the US Constitution are appended to the original document, which was handwritten on parchment by Jacob Shallus. There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, with approximately 11,848 proposals to amend the Constitution introduced in Congress since 1789.
The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791. The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, and authorized Congress to enforce abolition. The Fourteenth Amendment (1868) granted US citizenship to former slaves and all persons "subject to US jurisdiction". It also imposed three new limits on state power: a state shall not violate a citizen's privileges or immunities; shall not deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; and must guarantee all persons equal protection under the law. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments are collectively known as the Reconstruction Amendments.
The US Constitution establishes extradition between the states and lays down a legal basis for freedom of movement and travel among the states. The Territorial Clause gives Congress the power to make rules for disposing of federal property and governing non-state territories of the United States. Article V outlines the process for amending the Constitution.
The last time a proposal gained the necessary two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate for submission to the states was the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment in 1978. The Twenty-first Amendment, ratified in 1933, is the only amendment that explicitly repeals an earlier one—in this case, the Eighteenth Amendment, which established the prohibition of alcohol.
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The influence of the US Constitution
The United States Constitution has had a profound influence on the history of ideas, legal thinking, and political philosophy worldwide. Drafted in the 18th century, it was a landmark event in the history of governments, marking a departure from monarchical rule and paving the way for representative and democratic governance. The US Constitution has directly influenced other nations' constitutions and legal frameworks, particularly during the 1970s. Its principles, such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and recognition of individual rights, have resonated globally.
The US Constitution's impact is evident in the similarities of phrasing and borrowed passages in other constitutions. For instance, the Australian Constitution integrated federal ideas from the US Constitution. Additionally, the US Constitution's amendment process and judicial review have inspired constitutionalists in other nations. Abraham Lincoln, during the American Civil War, Benito Juarez of Mexico, Jose Rizal of the Philippines, and Sun Yat-sen of China are notable figures influenced by these aspects of the US Constitution. Rizal, for instance, drew on the US Constitution in his calls for Filipino representation in the Spanish Parliament.
The US Constitution's influence also extends to the establishment of extradition between states and the legal basis for freedom of movement and travel among them. The Territorial Clause grants Congress the authority to manage federal property and govern non-state territories. Additionally, the Constitution outlines the process for amending it, reflecting the recognition of the need for adaptability in governance.
The Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire, significantly influenced the framers of the US Constitution. Locke's ideas about natural rights to life, liberty, and property laid the groundwork for modern democracy. Montesquieu's doctrine of the separation of powers into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—aimed to prevent the dominance of any single branch and protect individual liberties. Voltaire's advocacy for civil liberties, including freedom of speech and religion, resonated with the framers' commitment to embedding these freedoms in the governing document.
The US Constitution's influence has been far-reaching and has shaped political and legal landscapes worldwide. While its direct influence may have waned in recent decades, its foundational principles continue to inspire and guide emerging democracies and constitutional reforms globally.
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The preservation of the US Constitution
The Constitution has been amended over time to reflect the nation's evolving values and beliefs. Notable amendments include the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship to former slaves and imposed limits on state power to protect citizens' rights. These amendments showcase the nation's commitment to freedom, equality, and the preservation of the Constitution's integrity.
The preservation of the Constitution is also ensured through judicial review. Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist No. 78, emphasised the importance of a written constitution as a superior enactment of the people. He argued that courts must declare void any legislation contrary to the Constitution, thus preserving the people's authority over legislatures. The Supreme Court, initially comprising jurists intimately connected with the Constitution's framing, played a crucial role in interpreting and safeguarding the nation's founding document.
Additionally, the Constitution has influenced governance worldwide. Its principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and recognition of individual rights have inspired other nations' constitutions. The American experience of fundamental law with amendments and judicial review has provided a model for constitutionalists and leaders worldwide, including Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War and Sun Yat-sen of China.
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The display of the US Constitution
The United States Constitution, the first permanent constitution, was handwritten on five pages of parchment by Jacob Shallus. It is on permanent display at the National Archives Museum, housed in the Rotunda. The spelling and punctuation of the document reflect the original.
The Constitution has been a notable model for governance worldwide, especially through the 1970s. Its international influence is seen in the similarities in phrasing and borrowed passages in other constitutions, as well as in the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and recognition of individual rights. The Constitution has also undergone several amendments, with the Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude, and the Fourteenth Amendment (1868) granting United States citizenship to former slaves and all persons under US jurisdiction.
The document establishes extradition between the states and lays down a legal basis for freedom of movement and travel among the states. It also gives Congress the power to make rules for disposing of federal property and governing non-state territories. The Constitution outlines the process for amending the document, with eight state constitutions in effect in 1787 including an amendment mechanism.
The display of the Constitution at the National Archives Museum showcases the original text, including any changes and additions made over the past 200+ years. The preservation of this historical document allows visitors to understand the foundation of the United States government and the principles that unite its citizens.
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The value of the US Constitution
The US Constitution is a remarkably influential document that has not only shaped US history and government but also provided a model for governance worldwide. The Constitution is the first permanent constitution and was handwritten on five pages of parchment by Jacob Shallus. It establishes a uniform rule of naturalization and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States. It also grants Congress the power to coin money, regulate its value, and fix the standard of weights and measures.
The Constitution also plays a crucial role in promoting the progress of science and the arts by securing limited-time exclusive rights to authors and inventors for their respective writings and discoveries. It establishes the Supreme Court and defines its role in reviewing acts of state legislature, ensuring that any legislation contrary to the Constitution can be declared void. The document also outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of the President of the United States, including their role as Commander-in-Chief of the military.
Additionally, the Constitution establishes extradition between the states and guarantees freedom of movement and travel among them. It grants Congress the authority to govern non-state territories and protect states from invasion and violence. The Constitution's amendment process, outlined in Article V, has allowed for significant changes such as the abolition of slavery and the granting of citizenship to former slaves.
The US Constitution's influence extends beyond US borders, impacting the constitutions of other nations. Its principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and recognition of individual rights have inspired constitutionalists worldwide. The document's historical significance, the values it upholds, and its ongoing relevance in shaping US governance contribute to its enduring value.
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Frequently asked questions
The prices of the constitution are lined through because it is a historical document of immense value.
The people of the United States have the power to amend the constitution through a democratic process.
Any accidental alterations to the constitution should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities for evaluation and potential restoration.
The crossed-out prices do not affect the implementation of the constitution, which remains a vital and influential document in governing the United States.
