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Top 12 Must-Know Facts About the American Founding Documents
The American founding documents represent the cornerstone of the United States’ democracy and legal system. These historic papers, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, shaped the nation’s future and continue to influence modern governance. Here are twelve essential facts about these pivotal documents that every American should know.
1. The Declaration of Independence Wasn’t Signed on July 4th
Contrary to popular belief, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed on July 4, 1776. While Congress approved the document on that date, the actual signing occurred primarily on August 2, 1776. Some delegates signed even later, with the last signature added in January 1777.
2. The Constitution Was Written in Secret
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 operated under strict secrecy rules. The delegates covered the windows of Independence Hall and posted guards at the doors. The secrecy allowed for frank discussions and negotiations without external pressure or premature public debate.
3. The Bill of Rights Originally Had 12 Amendments
James Madison initially proposed 12 amendments for the Bill of Rights, not ten. The original first two amendments weren’t ratified with the others. Interestingly, one of these rejected amendments was eventually ratified in 1992 as the 27th Amendment, limiting congressional pay raises.
4. Thomas Jefferson Wasn’t Present for the Constitution’s Creation
Despite being a founding father, Thomas Jefferson didn’t participate in writing the Constitution. He was serving as the American Minister to France during the Constitutional Convention. His influence was felt through his correspondence with James Madison.
5. The Constitution’s Spelling and Grammar Aren’t Perfect
The original Constitution contains several spelling and grammar errors. The word “Pennsylvania” is misspelled in the signing section, and there are various punctuation inconsistencies throughout the document, reflecting the writing standards of the 18th century.
6. The Declaration of Independence Traveled During World War II
During World War II, the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were secretly moved from the Library of Congress to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for safekeeping. This protective measure lasted from December 1941 to September 1944.
7. Benjamin Franklin’s Emotional Final Speech
At age 81, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the Constitution. His final speech supporting the document was read by another delegate because he was too weak to deliver it himself. Despite his reservations about parts of the Constitution, he urged unanimous support.
8. The First Draft Was Written on Hemp Paper
The first draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on Dutch hemp paper. The final version was engrossed on parchment, which is treated animal skin. This parchment version is what’s displayed at the National Archives today.
9. The Constitution Never Uses the Word “Democracy”
Interestingly, the Constitution never explicitly uses the word “democracy.” Instead, it guarantees a “republican form of government.” The founders were cautious about pure democracy and preferred a representative republic system.
10. The Original Documents Are Deteriorating
Despite extensive preservation efforts, the original documents show signs of deterioration. The Declaration of Independence, in particular, has faded significantly since its creation, largely due to poor preservation methods in the 19th century.
11. Gouverneur Morris’s Influential Writing
While James Madison is often called the “Father of the Constitution,” Gouverneur Morris actually wrote the final draft, giving the document its distinctive prose style. He made over 1,000 changes to the Committee of Style’s draft, refining the language we know today.
12. The Constitution’s Ratification Was Not Guaranteed
The Constitution’s ratification was far from certain. Several states initially opposed it, and ratification was achieved only after intense debate and the promise of adding the Bill of Rights. Rhode Island, the last state to ratify, did so by a narrow margin of 34-32.
Conclusion
These twelve facts highlight the complex history and enduring significance of America’s founding documents. From their creation under challenging circumstances to their continued preservation and influence, these documents remain vital to understanding American democracy. Their imperfections, secret histories, and evolution over time demonstrate that even foundational documents are products of human compromise and careful deliberation, making them all the more remarkable in their lasting impact on American governance and society.