The constitution of the united states national archives. Records of the continental and confederation congresses and the constitutional convention, 17741789, record group 360. Where the original text has been amended or revised or where a new provision has been added to the original constitution, the. This site offers free, printable versions of the founding documents of our republic, including the u. The constitution of the united states 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. Monday in december,4 unless they shall by law appoint a. The following text is a transcription of the constitution as it was inscribed by jacob shallus on parchment the document on display in the rotunda at the national archives museum. Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and press, and the right to assemble peaceably and petition the government for redress of grievances to ask it to fix something that its responsible for. The belief was strong that a well regulated militia such as the national guard, in modern times was. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress of the united states, which shall consist of a senate and house of representatives. The sixteenth amendment to the constitution of the united states was proposed to the legislatures of the several states by the sixtyfirst congress on the 12th of.
This constitution, and the laws of the united states. The constitution full text the national constitution. The constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures. Under americas first national government, the articles of confederation, the states acted together only for specific purposes. All through the summer the delegates privately debated and eventually agreed to discard the constitution of 1777. 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. Constitution for the united states of america 1 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. Preamble introduction explains that the constitution proposes to establish a more perfect government complete with justice, tranquility, and liberty. Its first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, whereby the federal government is divided into three branches. Oct 03, 2014 the threefifths clause was part of a series of compromises enacted by the constitutional convention of 1787. Constitution, bill of rights, declaration of independence, and other rights laid out by americas founders. The original us constitution is on display at the national archives in washington, d. The constitution defines the powers delegated to the national government. Finally, it requires all officers of the united states and of the states to swear an oath of allegiance to the united states and the constitution when taking office.
Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. New jersey state constitution 1947 updated through amendments adopted in november, 2019 a constitution agreed upon by the delegates of the people of new jersey, in convention, begun at rutgers university, the state university of new jersey, in new brunswick, on the twelfth day of june, and continued to the tenth day of september, in the year of our lord. The american republic constitution for the united states of. The united states constitution preamble 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. The house of representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several. Ame about rica embassy of the united states, berlin. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america, when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the. Carry copies of the entire constitution as a handy foldable booklet, or refer to one article or amendment at a time. The first edition of the novel was published in 1787, and was written by founding fathers. The congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first monday in december, unless they shall by law appoint a. The federal convention convened with a seven state quorum, in the pennsylvania state house independence hall on may 25, 1787.
United states of americas constitution of 1789 with amendments through 1992. Constitution of oregon proposed amendments and revisions. The constitution was approved by popular vote in 1839 and served as floridas constitution from statehood in 1845 until florida seceded from the union in 1861. Preamble 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. Home learn educational resources historical documents the constitution of the united states. We the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union. The constitution of the united states of america us department of. In addition, it protects the powers reserved to the states and the rights of every individual. Preamble ordinance whereas, the government of the united states is the proprietor of a large portion of the lands included in the limits of the state of kansas as defined by this constitution. Constitution reaffirms its status as the first branch of the federal government. Rick green is a constitutional expert and one of the nations top speakers on the constitution and, yes, has a passion for helping others avoid dry redundant lectures at all cost. The signing of the constitution took place on september 17, 1787, at the pennsylvania state house now called independence hall in philadelphia. Resources guide explore the links in the text of the constitution below to discover a variety of relevant, classroom ready, lessons and activities from the bill of rights institute. The threefifths clause was part of a series of compromises enacted by the constitutional convention of 1787.
Minnesotas constitution minnesota historical society. The original 1838 constitution, signed by fortyone delegates on january 11, 1839, has disappeared. Article i article ii article iii article iv article v article vi article vii. Today, the united states constitution is the oldest, written constitution that has continuously remained in effect in the world. The constitution is here published as it is in effect following the approval of amendments and revisions on november 6, 2018. Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 1776. The amendments to the constitution charter for compassion. This constitution or founding document is easy to download and print. The constitution united its citizens as members of a whole, vesting the power of the union in the. A reader was developed for teaching the core course on the u. Constitution of the united states of america17871 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 estab. New jersey state constitution 1947 updated through amendments adopted in november, 2019 a constitution agreed upon by the delegates of the people of new jersey, in convention, begun at rutgers university, the state university of new jersey, in new brunswick, on the twelfth day of june, and continued to the tenth day of september, in the year of our lord one thousand nine hundred and fortyseven.
Louisiana constitution of 1974 louisiana state senate november 18, 2019 compiled from the louisiana senate statutory database. A guiding question for each lesson is included below each section. Our engaging, dynamic exhibits and programs are aligned with state and national standards so you can connect your field trip with your classroom curriculum. The constitution of the united states is the supreme law of the united states of america. Original constitution of india pdf download free upsc material. The constitution, originally comprising seven articles, delineates the national frame of government. Free download or read online the constitution of the united states of america pdf epub book.
The constitution established not merely a league of states, but a government that exercised its authority directly over all citizens. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 30 pages and is available in paperback format. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. This constitution, and the laws of the united states which shall be made in pursuance thereof. Among other provisions, this act called for a constitutional convention to draft a constitution that would be the foundation for state government. The most notable other clauses prohibited slavery in the northwest territories and ended u. This contains most of the rights and privileges granted in the united states bill of rights and the main text of the united states. A second edition, updated and expanded slightly, appeared in 1986.
Signed copy of the constitution of the united states. All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the united states under this constitution, as under the confederation. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription the representatives of the free men of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form followingsect. Mar 16, 2020 the constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures. The text of the original signed copy of the constitution filed in the office of the secretary of state is retained unless it has been repealed or superseded by amendment or revision. A history of the constitution us supreme court center. Declaration of independence and constitution of the united. The constitution full text the national constitution center. As amended the current state constitution contains eighteen sections, beginning with a bill of rights. The constitution is very broad causing it to be misinterpreted and a cause for debate. The constitution of the united states preamble 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. The pdf version can be printed using any pdf viewer. Constitution at hillsdale college divided into eleven sections with introductions by members of hillsdales politics department faculty, readings cover. Constitution of the united states of america bill of rights.
The threefifths clause of the united states constitution 1787. What was written then can never be changed, but can be amended, meaning they add amendments. Miscellaneous papers of the continental congress, 17741789. The oregon constitution is the governing document of the u. Read the constitution continued 3 to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the indian tribes. United states of americas constitution of 1789 with. Arizona constitution download pdf united states constitution purchase a pocket u. It includes an essay on the historical developments that led to the. The positioning of congress at the beginning of the. The american republic constitution for the united states of america article vi 6. The main characters of this history, non fiction story are. In our founding documents archive, for example, you will find the constitutions of nations from all around the globe as well as many other important documents that govern the way people across the world interact with each other. Oklahoma constitution preamble invoking the guidance of almighty god, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty.
Article 7 details the method for ratification, or acceptance, of the constitution. View the original arizona state constitution with signatures in arizona memory project. About us offers one of the largest collections of historical documents on the web. These compromises reflected virginia constitutional convention delegate and future u. The constitution of the united states defined and carefully annotated. The preamble outlines the constitutions purpose and guiding principles. The constitution of 1787 was completed and submitted to the united states in congress assembled usca on september.
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