Videos

Learn how the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where those tax dollars go today.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw himself as a servant of humanity, and he wanted his life to be remembered as a life of service to others. In this episode, we look at Dr. King’s legacy of service. We’ll explore how his use of nonviolence was not just a political tool, but a way to demonstrate service to others. Get ready to learn about some of the other activists who drew their inspiration from Dr. King. And we’ll even learn about ways that you can serve your community. Join us as we honor the memory of this great American by talking about service!

In this popular episode, we explore the history of the environmental movement in the United States and the origins of the holiday we know as Earth Day.

In this episode of Constitution Hall Pass, take a look at why we needed a Constitution so badly—especially after some people expressed themselves with another rebellion! See and hear the story of creating that Constitution and the efforts it took to get it ratified, topping it off with a trip to New Hampshire to see where the Constitution went into effect. And learn about how the Constitution gave us a three-branched government to protect our rights and the freedom to express ourselves—out loud!

Discover the real story of the first Thanksgiving and how the day became a national holiday during the Civil War.

Explore the compelling story of our Constitution’s first ten amendments, from James Madison’s efforts to compile a list of essential freedoms, through the years when the document’s provisions were seldom applied, to present-day court cases that impact all Americans.

Celebrate the writing of the Constitution by going inside the Convention at the National Constitution Center’s Signers’ Hall! We’ll learn about the ideas behind the document as we see the life-size statues and get to know some of the most famous Founding Fathers. And we’ll talk about the system of government which the Constitution created and get an up-close look at how the balance of powers protects our freedoms as citizens. Join us as we meet the men of Signers’ Hall!

Just in time for the 2012 election, this engaging, interactive lesson traces the history of the American presidency and features a special introduction by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos—former adviser and communications director for President Bill Clinton. Join constitutional experts and the Center’s education staff to explore why it was important for our young nation to have an executive branch, and why nevertheless some people were worried about giving it too much power. We’ll also take a trip to a very special location in America’s presidential history. We’ll be hailing to the chief as we ring in the Constitution’s 225th Anniversary!