National Constitution Center, Philadelphia
Posted: 12/8/07

How important is the Constitution to the way America works? It is the balance of power between the three branches of government that is the centerpiece of our democracy. And a museum/learning center in the heart of Philadelphia is dedicated to that document, its history, growth and meaning. In fact the huge museum building anchors the south section of the grassy mall and has a level view of Independence Hall across the green.

Since the framers of the Constitution lived in an era when many monarchs held absolute power, it was their primary aim to make sure that no one person could ever control the whole country. Only Congress had the power to tax and the power to declare war. The president on the other hand, had veto power, and it would take two-thirds of congress to override his veto. Justices of the Supreme Court were appointed for life, so that they would not be swayed by popular opinion.

As for the Bill of Rights (the one thing everyone remembers about the Constitution) they were actually the first ten amendments to the document, since many states refused to sign until they were enacted. In fact most early arguments about the Constitution were about how much power the individual states would have to give up in order to form a “more perfect union.” You can learn about this, get a short history of the growth, extension, wars, and culture clashes of this country and much more at the privately-operated National Constitution Center.

The Center is housed in a handsome concrete, steel, glass and limestone building that anchors the lower end of Independence National Historic Park. Although it is modern in design, the building is low-slung and set back in a landscaped setting so that it does not clash with other landmarks in the historic area. The two-story grand lobby contains open spaces with banks of exhibits along the sides. An aluminum “People Tree” in the main lobby has branches that sport the pictures of 100 important Americans. There is also a huge area allowed for special displays such as the 2008 exhibit brought in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.


At the Information Desk you buy a ticket designed as a Delegates Pass that allows entrance to the amphitheater and the exhibits on both floors. Tickets for the 20-minute multi-media show called “Freedom Rising” are timed. As you wait, you can peruse the walls that set the scene in 1780s for the formation of the document that would bind together the original thirteen colonies.

The show itself, in a 350-seat star-shaped theater, features a single actor and a brief dramatic history of the founding of the country with music, videos and lots of voice-overs coming from the walls. It is when you exit onto the second floor from the darkened theater that you discover a host of innovative exhibits that circle the entire space.
Historical periods are divided by landmark events and Supreme Court decisions. So we start at 1765, pass on to 1824, then 1865, 1882 and 1952. There are videos, blown-up photographs, excerpts, banners and interactive stops along the way. The Revolutionary War, the convening of the Constitutional Convention, Shays Rebellion, the War of 1812, various court decisions including the Dred Scott, which hastened the Civil War. Then there is full-blown display on the Civil War, followed by eras called “The Age of Invention”, “The Great Immigration” and onto the 20th century.

Of course a one-day visit to Constitution Center cannot supplant a half-year course in American History and Civics, but it certainly can supplement anyone’s education in the basics. For interactive events, you can sit at a Judicial Bench and hear oral arguments before the Supreme Court, or sit at a senator’s desk in the Capitol, or take the Presidential oath of office. There is also a voting booth where you can vote for your favorite president.

Next is the Signers Hall, a large room full of bronze, life-size sculptures of the constitutional convention delegates from each state. There are forty-two of them (39 signed, three dissented). Boy, were those guys short! Madison, Adams, and lots of others were not men of great physical stature. You might want to track down the signers from your own state’s delegation and take a photograph (non-flash only).

When you leave Signers Hall, be sure to sign your name on the signing page there. You will need your signing page number to get into the computers that are set up on the tables in the adjoining café. I neglected to do this and found myself stymied at the computer. There are helpers that come around to assist the techno-challenged among us, but I did not have the time to wait. This second floor café also serves coffee and croissants (self-serves, that is) but for fuller meals of hamburgers, salads and fast food, there is a larger restaurant on the first floor.


This is a family friendly place, although it is clear they have structured some of the exhibits for the fifth grade through high school students who will undoubtedly visit. But there is also food for thought for adults, who visit the rights and wrongs, the passions and prejudices of various eras. And then there’s the straight educational value. I had no idea there were so many amendments! One recent amendment limits the president to two terms. Just in the nick of time!

Location: 525 Arch St. Independence Mall, Philadelphia.
Telephone: 215-409-6600. Website: www.constitutioncenter.org
Check website for exact hours and admission price and special exhibits

Copyright 2007, Barbara Hudgins