Drafting the U.S. Constitution

September 17 is designated as Constitution Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The National Archives is the home to the original, engrossed Constitution of the United States, which is displayed in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. But that isn’t the only version of the … Continue reading Drafting the U.S. Constitution

Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution

Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, 1787—the day that the majority of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention approved the document they had been working on in Philadelphia since May. But the Constitution wouldn't become the official framework … Continue reading Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution

Alexander Hamilton and the Constitution

September 17 is Constitution Day. Celebrate the Constitution by visiting the original document at the National Archives. While you are here, don’t miss your last chance to see the special Alexander Hamilton exhibit, which closes September 19, 2018. Alexander Hamilton was only 30 years old when he was selected to serve as one of New … Continue reading Alexander Hamilton and the Constitution

Eight myths about the Constitution

Constitution Day is September 17. We've got events, programs, and activities at National Archives locations across the United States. Pundits, candidates, and party activists like to cite the Constitution of the United States as the moral and legal backing for whatever they’re proposing. Or they say that something an opponent proposes is unconstitutional. But the … Continue reading Eight myths about the Constitution

The Real Constitution Day?

Today's post comes from Jessie Kratz, historian of the National Archives. June 21, 2013, marks the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution’s ratification. As we prepare for a long, hot summer here in the nation’s capital, I can only imagine what it felt like in 1787, when delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia’s pre–air … Continue reading The Real Constitution Day?

Constitution 225: It was secret, but we know about it

Today’s post was written by National Archives volunteer Paul Richter. It is part of a series tracing the development of the Constitution in honor of the 225th anniversary of this document on September 17, 2012. In the earliest days of the Constitutional Convention, the delegates agreed their proceedings would be secret. As the convention drew … Continue reading Constitution 225: It was secret, but we know about it

Constitution 225: George Washington’s Constitution

    Today's Constitution 225 post was written by Jim Zeender,  senior registrar in Exhibits at the National Archives. Imagine George Washington’s first day on the job as President of the United States on April 30, 1789. What what his role? How was he to act? What were his duties and powers? Who should advise … Continue reading Constitution 225: George Washington’s Constitution

Constitution 225: It takes a committee to write a Preamble

Today’s post was written by National Archives volunteer Paul Richter. It is part of a series tracing the development of the Constitution in honor of the 225th anniversary of this document on September 17, 2012. By the second week of September, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention had hammered out nearly all of the details … Continue reading Constitution 225: It takes a committee to write a Preamble

Constitution 225: Fractions and ratifications

  Today’s post was written by National Archives volunteer Paul Richter. It is part of a series tracing the development of the Constitution in honor of the 225th anniversary of this document on September 17, 2012. On Monday, September 10, 1787, the Constitutional Convention was fixated on fractions. After four months of debate and compromise, … Continue reading Constitution 225: Fractions and ratifications

Constitution 225: Friday Facts

Constitution Day is September 17. Here are 17 Constitution facts to impress your friends and family. (Need more than 17? Our Constitution web page has all you need to know!) SEVENTEEN: The Constitution has 4,543 words, including the signatures. It takes about 30 minutes to read. SIXTEEN: The Constitution was drafted in fewer than 100 … Continue reading Constitution 225: Friday Facts