Posted on 09/23/2025 6:51:54 AM PDT by Twotone
The country’s impending 250th birthday provides myriad opportunities for Americans to gather, ponder, and reflect on the nation’s history and the principles that have enabled American greatness. As part of that effort, the National Archives in Washington has, for the first time in that history, allowed ordinary Americans to read the entire original version of the nation’s founding document.
For two weeks — from Sept. 16 through Oct. 1 — the entire Constitution is on public display. Visitors to our nation’s capital from across the country and around the world can view these priceless documents and, in doing so, hopefully rededicate themselves to the principles of the American experiment.
I visited the Archives on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, to observe the full Constitution 238 years after its signing in Philadelphia. In addition to the documents normally on display in its rotunda — the Declaration of Independence, the four pages of the Constitution, and the constitutional amendments comprising the Bill of Rights — the Archives for this special display has exhibited the Constitution’s fifth page.
Like most Americans, I had no idea the Constitution had a fifth page, even after viewing the four pages normally on display numerous times. The fifth page doesn’t include any legally binding text; rather, it amounts to a glorified cover letter, providing instructions on how states should ratify the document. As an artifact, the document — with the signature of George Washington, the Constitutional Convention’s president, clearly visible — shows how information traveled slowly in 18th-century America:
(Excerpt) Read more at thefederalist.com ...
Obsolete defunct relic from an ancient past.
When I was young, I thought the Constitution was light brown from age. Now I think it’s because everyone in government has wiped their **** on it.
My passport expired during the Wuhan Coup Flu so I can’t be dragged into foreign hives of scum and villainy like DC.
Saw it two weeks ago, Washington DC was beautiful.
That was the Declaration of Independence...
I would like to see it, but I would not step foot in DC for love or money.
Sadly many of the younger generation cannot read the cursive writing of this important document.
I'm gonna visit, but I'll be keeping an eye out for Nick Cage.
😊
Their penmanship was incredible.
Plus, it was quill and inkpot, so they really had to take their time writing this much text.
Over the past weeks and months I have been seeking conversation with various individuals in my county who have been required to take the Oath of Office.
When I raise the question as to what are the stated goals of the Constitution as written in the Preamble, they are largely at a loss.
Why would anyone take an oath to uphold and defend a set of principles they can barely articulate or understand?
Form a more perfect union.
Establish justice.
Insure domestic tranquity.
Provide for the common defense.
Promote the general welfare.
Secure the blessings of liberty.
These are the basis for having our Constitution. Each concept is worthy of contemplation. They were not debated by the Framers.
You can scream “Constitution” all day long, but if you are not grounded in its purpose and spirit, don’t tell me you are ready to uphold and defend it.
to ourselves and our posterity
NOT to every random Third-Worlder that the Dem Party wants to import to replace us.
I did not forget it, per se. I just wanted to keep the line short.
Kudos for noticing, though. You are right. Moreover, it would impact the widespread practice of abortion if ballot access were restricted to those who are required by law to be publicly examined about these things.
You’re right. Been a while since I saw it. ;)
Bkmk
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