Today, with the resources available on the internet, there is no reason why Americans should remain ignorant about the Constitution. The document itself consists of only seven articles describing how the Government functions, and 27 amendments that make up for the shortcomings of the original work. This is probably less information than most of us had to learn to obtain a Drivers License, but in spite of this, knowledge about the most important document ruling our lives is at an all time low.
According to a 2006 Reuters report, a Zogby poll found that 74% of Americans could name all three of the Three Stooges, while only 42% could name the three branches of the U.S. Government. That is truly pitiful; we can do better as a Nation.
No amount of apathy can serve as an excuse. Now is the time to read the document, and take a little time to understand what it says!
The following resources provide all of the information necessary to learn about the United States Constitution. Remember, the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land and it directly bears upon your rights and responsibilities as a Citizen of these United States.
Understanding the Constitution and helping others to understand it, are vital first-steps towards repairing much of what’s wrong with America today.
LiberateUS History of the United States Constitution
Today we need to make an effort to inform ourselves about our forefathers, the founders of our Nation whose lofty goals were set forth in words and letters and serve as the cornerstones of our society. By studying the times they lived in, their motivations, and their intentions, we gain an understanding of how we arrived at the point we are today. Only then can we hope to set a better course for tomorrow; in this regard, history is as much about the future as it is about the past.
Justice Learning’s Guide to the U.S. Constitution
A collaboration between NPR’s Justice Talking and the New York Times Learning Network, Justice Learning’s online site presents Citizenship and Civics related materials at a high-school level, current through June of 2008 when its grant funding ran out. The linked Guide provides an easy and fun way to explore the Constitution in depth, Article by Article.
U.S. Constitution Online
USConstitution.net has been online since 1995, and is a credit to Vermont Patriot Steve Mount, who has maintained it over the years as a labor of love. The site is very popular, having logged over 14 million visitors, and provides a wide range of resources related to the Constitution, including a forum for discussion of Constitutional issues.
National Constitution Center — Interactive Constitution
The National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia is America’s most interactive history museum. Located just two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is the only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the story of we, the people.
The linked Interactive Constitution is based on “The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution” by Linda R. Monk (Hyperion/A Stonesong Press Book). Copyright © 2003 Linda R. Monk and The Stonesong Press, Inc.
Wikipedia US Constitution
Wikipedia is a web-based, free-content encyclopedia that has become a major reference source for individuals seeking information on the internet. The Wikipedia article on the U.S. Constitution is comprehensive, providing quick access to basic information on each Article and Amendment, as well as hyperlinks to more detailed information, the history of the Constitution, and much more.
The Charters of Freedom
The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is a section of the National Archives in Washington, D.C.. It is the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries. This online exhibit provides information about these, and other important documents that led to the formation of those ideas that shaped our Nation.
