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

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

Constitution Day 2024

Monroe University Celebrates the U.S. Constitution
September 17, 2024

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

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America

U.S. Constitution Manuscript - Page 1

More Primary Sources on the U.S. Constitution

View and download the U. S. Constitution at the National Archives (Traducción al Español disponible.)
Visit the U.S. Constitution Annotated at Congress.gov

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!

Video: Preamble to the Constitution: Schoolhouse Rock

Video: Constitution Day and the U.S. Semiquincentennial

PRIMARY SOURCE :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).

(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.

Visit the National Archives Records of Rights Exhibit

Printable Worksheet: The "Why Vote" Tool

Printable Why Vote Tool

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

EMAIL: library@monroeu.edu -- Bronx Campus (646) 393-8333 / New Rochelle Campus (914)-740-6437