Explore the drafting process that led to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as we know them today.
American Treasures: Documenting the Nation’s Founding displays early drafts of the Constitution, highlighting the key proposals and significant compromises that influenced the document’s final text.
Meet the crucial figures who played a role in shaping the Constitution—from the well-known James Madison to lesser-known founders like James Wilson, America’s most important champion of a government run by “We the People,” and Gouverneur Morris, often credited as the primary writer of the Constitution’s final text.
American Treasures also explores the battle to secure a Bill of Rights—from proposals introduced in the House of Representatives to the familiar amendments that we know today.
Check out highlights from the gallery. Please note, artifacts are rotated and subject to change.
Exhibit EntrancePhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
"Explore the U.S. Constitution Drafts" InteractivePhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
Drafting the U.S. ConstitutionPhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
Drafting the U.S. ConstitutionPhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
Drafting the U.S. ConstitutionPhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
Drafting the Bill of RightsPhoto courtesy of the National Constitution Center
Trace the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Learn about important but lesser-known Founding Fathers like James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Virtual tour made possible by generous support from George S. Blumenthal. Photography by Ardon Bar-Hama.
When James Madison spoke to the First Congress he proposed nearly 20 amendments as a Bill of Rights, and not the 10 we all know about. So what did Congress delete from the final list that was ratified by the states?
Scholars shed light on The Federalist papers, which argued that the Constitution should be approved, and the framers who wrote them.
It’s a big day in American history as December 15 marks the moment that the states ratified the Bill of Rights in 1791. But did you know the Bill, as presented to the states, had 12 amendments and not 10?
How did the Founders write the Bill of Rights? Explore key historical documents that inspired the Founders during their drafting process as well as the drafts and proposals for each amendment.
Explore our new 15-unit core curriculum with educational videos, primary texts, and more.
Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.
Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.