What is the most misspelled word in the U.S. Constitution?

Asked by: Maxie Romaguera  |  Last update: June 27, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (55 votes)

The most glaring misspelled word in the U.S. Constitution is "Pensylvania" (spelled with one 'n' instead of two) located above the signers' names. Although incorrect by modern standards, this single-n spelling was common in the 18th century and is also found on the Liberty Bell.

What word is misspelled in the U.S. Constitution?

The most famous misspelling in the U.S. Constitution is "Pensylvania" (spelled with one 'n' instead of two) in the article listing the signers. Written by Alexander Hamilton, this single-'n' spelling was an accepted 18th-century variation, similar to the spelling on the Liberty Bell, but it conflicts with the correct "Pennsylvania" used earlier in the document.

What is the #1 most misspelled word?

"Separate" is widely considered the most commonly misspelled word, frequently rendered as "seperate". Other top contenders based on search and usage data include definitely (often misspelled as "definately"), accommodate, and embarrass.

What is the most glaring error in the Constitution?

Of the spelling errors in the Constitution, "Pensylvania" above the signers' names is probably the most glaring.

What is only 52 words long in the Constitution?

The Preamble is the part of the Constitution most people recognize - up at the top. It begins "We the People." The Preamble describes who we are, what we do, and why. These 52 words are an ideal, the best of what our government can do and be.

'We the People' - the three most misunderstood words in US history | Mark Charles | TEDxTysons

32 related questions found

What does "I plead the 8th" mean?

"I plead the 8th" is a colloquial reference to the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and "cruel and unusual punishments". It is used to claim that a penalty is too harsh or inhumane, often in a joking or exaggerated context, though it originated to protect prisoners' rights.

What word never appears in the U.S. Constitution?

No words indicating race or color, black or white, occur in the text of the Constitution, and neither do the words “slave” or “slavery.” Circumlocutions are used in the text to avoid the use of any form of the word “slave”; for example, “person held to service or labor,” and “such persons as any of the States now ...

What is the 40 spelling?

The correct spelling of the number 40 is forty. In modern times, fourty is incorrect, although in the past this was likely the original spelling.

What word is misspelled in every dictionary?

The word "incorrectly" is the word that is spelled incorrectly in every dictionary.

What is the only crime mentioned in the US Constitution?

Treason is the only crime explicitly defined within the body of the U.S. Constitution, found in Article III, Section 3. It is defined as levying war against the United States or adhering to their enemies by giving them aid and comfort. The Constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to an overt act or a confession in open court for conviction.

Is the 7th Amendment still $20 dollars?

Yes, the 7th Amendment still technically lists "$20" as the threshold for civil jury trials in federal courts. While this amount is not adjusted for inflation—and would be worth over $500–$600 today—it serves as a historical minimum marker, rather than a practical limit for modern lawsuits, which usually involve much higher amounts.

What four states don't have God in their Constitution?

Only four states — Colorado, Iowa, Hawaii and Washington — don't reference God specifically.

Who can declare a President incompetent?

Under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (or a body designated by Congress) can declare the President unable to perform their duties. This initiates a temporary transfer of power, which Congress can finalize by a two-thirds vote if the President contests it.

What three words begin the Constitution?

The first three words of the United States Constitution are “We the People”. Found at the start of the Preamble, these words affirm that the government exists to serve its citizens and that sovereign power belongs to them.

What are the three words of the 42nd Amendment?

The word "Secular" was a later addition done cunningly to Indian constitution. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble during India's Emergency.

Who cannot be executed under the death penalty?

If they are convicted and become incompetent while on death row, they cannot be executed, under earlier Supreme Court precedent. However, most people with mental illness — including many with severe mental illness — are not mentally incompetent. Mental health issues have broad impact in death-penalty cases.