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Constitution Day: U.S. Constitution: History & Background

This guide will address the origins and history of our government's foundational document, with its amendments. We will consider a variety of issues, from the process of writing and adoption, to current interpretations of the Constitution and the Bill of

Constitution Day 2023

Monroe College Celebrates the U.S. Constitution 
(Celebrated Monday) September 18, 2023

 

"We the People" Constitution clipping

Mural at the National Archives: Constitution by Barry Faulkner (1936)

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America

More Primary Sources on the U.S. Constitution

The Bill of Rights

The call for a bill of rights had been the anti-Federalists' most powerful weapon.

Attacking the proposed Constitution for its vagueness and lack of specific protection against tyranny, Patrick Henry asked the Virginia convention,

"What can avail your specious, imaginary balances, your rope-dancing, chain-rattling, ridiculous ideal checks and contrivances."

Quote source: TeachingAmericanHistory.org

See the original copy of the Bill of Rights and its transcription in the files below.

Bill of Rights: Primary Source Document Bill of Rights: Transcription by the National Archives

Take a Quiz!

What is Your U.S. Constitution IQ? Take the Constitution Quiz and find out!

 

Constitution Quiz

Video: Preamble to the Constitution from Schoolhouse Rock

Video: Iroquois Confederacy Influence on the U.S. Constitution

Video: Constitution Day and the U.S. Semiquincentennial

PRIMARY SOURCE: Rights to Freedom & Justice: National Archives

                                                        Banner Records of Rights Exhibit at the National Archives

    

Rights to Freedom and Justice

Is it possible to guarantee liberty and justice for all?

Video: Muhammed Ali refuses the draft (1967).

Screencap of Records of Rights Exhibit on Muhammad Ali

(Click above to view 1967 news clip of Muhammad Ali.)

Two of the stated purposes of the Constitution of the United States are to “establish justice” and “secure the blessings of liberty.” Yet the Constitution did not abolish slavery... The definition and application of the Constitutional ideals of freedom and justice have been the subject of debate since its inception.

THIS SECTION INCLUDES STORIES ABOUT:

  • Slavery and other forms of servitude
  • The Ku Klux Klan and mob violence
  • Japanese internment
  • Struggles for fair trials

Visit the National Archives Records of Rights Exhibit

Printable Worksheet: The "Why Vote" Tool

A Monroe College Research Guide

                THIS RESEARCH OR "LIBGUIDE" WAS PRODUCED BY THE LIBRARIANS OF MONROE COLLEGE