Does the original US Constitution still exist?

Asked by: Clemmie Williamson  |  Last update: February 10, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)

Yes, the original, signed U.S. Constitution still exists and is preserved at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. for public viewing in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. It's housed in state-of-the-art encasements to protect the parchment document, which represents the foundational text of American government.

Do we still have the original US constitution?

Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.

Where is the original US Constitution kept?

The National Archives in Washington, DC.

How many original copies of the Constitution still exist?

Washington, D.C. There are 12 remaining complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist (Evans 20818).

What is the oldest written Constitution still in use today?

We've asked an expert from each state to dive into their constitution, narrate its history, identify its quirks, and summarize its most essential components for our readers. The Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world still in active use.

Original Intents: The Meaning of the U.S. Constitution

39 related questions found

Is God mentioned in the US Constitution?

No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God, Jesus, or Christianity; its framework is secular, focusing on governmental structure, though it mentions "religion" in the First Amendment to protect religious freedom and prohibit an established religion. The only divine reference is in the signing date, "in the Year of our Lord," a common phrase of the era, not a theological statement, notes TCU Magazine.
 

Which is the no. 1 constitution in the world?

The Indian constitution is the world's longest for a sovereign nation. At its enactment, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. At about 145,000 words, it is the second-longest active constitution—after the Constitution of Alabama—in the world.

How much is the original Constitution worth?

The last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold was for $400 in 1891. In 2021, Sotheby's of New York sold one of only 13 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and delegates to the Constitutional Convention for $43.2 million, a record for a book or document.

Why is part 7 removed?

Ans. Part 7 dealt with Part-B states. After the 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, Part-B states were merged with others, making this part redundant, so it was repealed.

Did the founding fathers use the Bible to create the Constitution?

The Founding Fathers didn't base the Constitution directly on the Bible but were significantly influenced by Christian principles and biblical concepts that shaped their understanding of morality, human nature (like sinfulness), and natural law, even while drawing more directly from English common law, Enlightenment thinkers, and historical republics. While the Constitution itself doesn't mention God or the Bible (except for dating), biblical ideas about justice, governance, and individual rights, filtered through Protestantism and Enlightenment thought, provided a moral and conceptual foundation, alongside secular sources. 

How much does it cost to see the original Declaration of Independence?

Entry to the National Archives is free.

Who wrote the American Constitution?

The president of the Constitutional Convention, the body that framed the new government, was George Washington, though James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” because of his great contributions to the formation of the new government. Gouverneur Morris wrote the Constitution's final language.

Is the Declaration legally binding today?

The Declaration of Independence states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful.

Can a president be removed for violating the Constitution?

The impeachment process

The Constitution gives Congress the power to impeach federal officials. An official can be impeached for treason, bribery, and “other high crimes and misdemeanors.” The House of Representatives brings articles (charges) of impeachment against an official.

Why is September 17 so important?

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today.

What are the first 7 words of the U.S. Constitution?

The first seven words of the U.S. Constitution, from the Preamble, are "We the People of the United States," establishing that governmental power comes from the citizens, not the states, and setting the foundation for a more perfect union, justice, and liberty for all. 

Why is the 7th Amendment not incorporated?

history of this amendment and the Court's jurisprudence in this area show that the Seventh Amendment provision of civil jury trials should remain unincorporated as to the states. A. Non-Incorporation Is Consistent With The History And Purpose Of The Seventh Amendment And The Court's Older Jurisprudence.

What is article number 7?

Article 7 of Indian Constitution deals with the complex migration issues that followed Partition . It aims to set clear criteria for determining who retains Indian citizenship . Key Provisions: No Citizenship: Post-March 1 migrants to Pakistan are not Indian citizens.

What is the 7th Constitutional Amendment?

​7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 promoted the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. It is related to the reorganisation of states. 7th Constitutional Amendment also provided for the appointment of additional and acting judges of the high court.

Why did the original Constitution fail?

The first plan the Framers tried after declaring independence was called the Articles of Confederation. The government that the Articles created failed because it was too weak to coordinate national policy among states with different priorities.

What is the rarest signature of the Declaration of Independence?

The rarest signature on the Declaration of Independence belongs to Button Gwinnett, a signer from Georgia, due to his relative obscurity, short life (killed in a duel shortly after signing), and a fire that destroyed many of his papers, leaving only about 51 known examples of his signature, making it incredibly valuable to collectors. While Thomas Lynch, Jr. is also considered extremely rare, Gwinnett's signature is generally seen as the most elusive and valuable.
 

Where is the real copy of the Constitution?

All four pages of the document are on permanent display at the National Archives. The Constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures.

Can Japan declare war?

Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution contains “No war” clause. It came into effect on May 3, 1947, immediately after World War II. The text of the article of the Japanese Government formally renounce war as a right of sovereignty and the refuses to settle disputes using military force.

Which country has the strongest legal system?

  • United Kingdom. #1 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Germany. #2 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Switzerland. #3 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • United States. #4 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Sweden. #5 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Canada. #6 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Denmark. ...
  • Australia.

Which is the toughest constitution in the world?

Far from being a badge of honor, the distinction of topping the global charts on constitutional rigidity is cause for alarm. Ancient and virtually impervious to amendment, the United States Constitution has withstood all modern efforts to renovate its outdated architecture on elections, federalism, rights, and beyond.