Search | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

1,977 items

Collection Item

1843/01/23

King, Samuel Ward, 1786-1851

Proclamation. By His Excellency Samuel Ward King [RI Constitution ratification]

Regarding ratification of new constitution.

GLC07251.02

Spotlight on: Primary Source

Two versions of the Preamble to the Constitution, 1787

Government and Civics

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+

On May 25, 1787, the fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention began meeting in a room, no bigger than a large schoolroom, in Philadelphia’s State House. They posted sentries at the doors and windows to keep their "secrets...

Spotlight on: Primary Source

Ratification of the US Constitution in New York, 1788

Government and Civics

This unique copy of the US Constitution was printed by Claxton and Babcock in Albany, New York, between February 11 and March 21, 1788. Copies of the Constitution were widely distributed following the document’s signing by the members...

Lesson Plan

Our Constitution: The Bill of Rights (Grades 10–12)

Government and Civics

10, 11, 12

View the Constitution in the Gilder Lehrman Collection by clicking here and here . For a resource on the variations between a draft and the final version of the United States Constitution click here . For additional resources click...

Interactive

Alexander Hamilton and the Ratification of the Constitution

Return to Alexander Hamilton: Witness to the Founding Era .

Collection Item

1857

Constitution and Bylaws of Warren Temple of Honor

Undated.

GLC02157.75

Collection Item

7 March 1846

Constitution and Bylaws of Warren Temple of Honor

GLC02157.76

Collection Item

Autograph letter signed

February 12, 1788

Adams, John, 1735-1826

to Benjamin Rush re: balanced government under the Constitution

Adams mentions his Defence (just received by Rush) and writes "It is an opinion here that they [the volumes] contributed Somewhat to to restore permanent Tranquility to this Commonwealth, as well as Suppress the pestilent County Conventions...

GLC05289

Collection Item

30 August 1787

Randolph, Edmund, 1753-1813

Objections to the Constitution as far as it has advanced...

Lists eleven objections to the Constitution (the 12th has been struck). Docket reads "Objections to the Constitution / by Mr. Randal."

GLC00819.18

Collection Item

1843/01/23

King, Samuel Ward, 1786-1851

Proclamation. By His Excellency Samuel Ward King [RI Constitution adopted]

Announcing constitution adopted by a majority of qualified electors.

GLC07250