About The Exhibition
Imagination and vision played critical roles in the creative act of forming a self-governing United States of America. The collections of the Library of Congress are unquestionably the worlds best source for documenting that process. This exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to learn in a fresh new way how the founding documents that emerged from this period were forged out of insight, invention, and creativity, as well as collaboration and much compromise.
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EXHIBITION THEMES
Despite great uncertainties, Americas founders pressed forward to independence and the creation of a federal republic. The Declaration of Independence became a lasting beacon for those seeking justice, human dignity, and self-government throughout the world.
Americas search for a plan of national government was a slow, difficult process. Compromise, cooperation, and creativity were required as the Americans moved from a patriarchal monarchy to citizen-leaders in a representative republic.
In 1789 Congress passed proposed amendments to the Constitution as one of its first orders of business. Viewed as unnecessary by many and a mere diversion by others, the first ten amendments, which became known as the Bill of Rights, became the bedrock of individual rights and liberties.
interactives
These interactives reveal the source documents and the careful crafting of language that laid the foundation of the American republic.
Experience the Interactives