Governing the Nation

An immersive experience exploring how the Constitution creates a system of checks and balances across the three branches and defines the relationship between the federal government and the states.

COMING SOON: Governing the Nation brings the Constitution’s structure of government to life through immersive sets, historical artifacts, and interactive experiences.

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Opening to the public on Friday, May 15, Governing the Nation explores how power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, how each branch is empowered to check the others, and how authority is shared between the national government and the states. 

Inside the gallery, visitors encounter these principles in action through both hands-on experiences and artifacts from defining moments in American history. Together, they illustrate how the Constitution has been interpreted, contested, and applied across American history.

Explore the Exhibit

Check out highlights from the gallery. Please note, artifacts within the exhibit are rotated and subject to change.

Governing the Nation is made possible by

Kenneth C Griffin, Griffin Catalyst

 

Thank You to Our Partners

Project Management
BECKER & FRONDORF

Exhibit Design
LUCI

Architectural Design and Services
ELIA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

Exhibit Fabrication
HADLEY EXHIBITS

General Contractor
FLATIRON BUILDING COMPANY

Exhibit Media and Interactives
TRIVIUM INTERACTIVE
TWO LEFT HANDS

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As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we invite all Americans to explore the principles and ideas that shape our nation through a new Interactive Declaration of Independence, curated essays, animated videos, and resources for classrooms and communities.

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