This election season, explore the ins and outs of American elections from a constitutional angle with our Election Day resources page. You can revisit the Constitutional Convention and the debates over the Electoral College, explore some of the most famous elections from history, and learn about historic figures who fought to expand voting rights. 

During election season, take the time to learn about the long struggle for women's suffrage in the United States. Our new exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote, traces the triumphs and struggles that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, and features some of the many women who transformed constitutional history—including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and Ida B. Wells.

The National Constitution Center is offering a series of America’s Town Hall programs about constitutional issues in the news. Join these programs for free from your home computer, laptop, or any mobile device by registering below.

The Past Four Years: What Have We Learned?

Join a bipartisan post-election discussion exploring what we have learned in the past four years about parties, partisanship, and the structures of our democracy. Anne Applebaum and Yascha Mounk of the SNF Agora Institute, David French of The Dispatch, and Charles Kesler of Claremont McKenna College discuss the state of American institutions, how they have changed over time, and what reforms, if any, are needed. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

Church-State Separation: What Does the Constitution Really Say?

Religious freedom advocate Kristina Arriaga and scholar Stephanie Barclay of Notre Dame Law School join constitutional scholars Erwin Chemerinsky and Howard Gillman, authors of The Religion Clauses: The Case for Separating Church and State, to debate what the Constitution says about the relationship between church and state and provide their take on the most recent religious liberty Supreme Court cases. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

Shakespeare and the Making of America

Echoes of Shakespeare can be heard in some of the most fundamental documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Join one of America’s leading authorities on Shakespeare Barry Edelstein of The Old Globe; Kevin Hayes, author of Shakespeare and the Making of America; and Lucas Morel of Washington and Lee University; for a look at how the founders understood Shakespeare and how his work relates to American constitutional values today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

November 2& 4 | 12 & 2 p.m. ET

November 6 | 1 p.m. ET

The Bill of Rights is comprised of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee essential rights and civil liberties, such as the right to free speech and the right to bear arms, as well as reserving rights to the people and the states. This week, students will study the Bill of Rights—its rights, protections, and limitations on government—and the process by which it was discussed, debated, and ratified. Students will also explore how the Bill of Rights affects them today.

For Friday's session, award-winning author and constitutional scholar Linda R. Monk joins Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen to discuss the first 10 amendments and answer audience questions.

Scouts can participate in special, LIVE virtual programs—including museum tours, panel discussions, and trivia games—all specifically designed for Scouts and customized to help them achieve select requirements for badges.

Price: $10 per Scout

November 12-14

November 19-21

Featured programming for Girl Scouts includes a virtual Town Hall program featuring Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon.

Sessions are presented through a secure Zoom webinar, and can be accessed from a home computer, laptop, or phone.

P.S. Looking for other ways to earn merit badges virtually? Eastern State Penitentiary is hosting their first virtual Scout Day on December 5! Learn more at www.EasternState.org/ScoutDays.

The Center’s NEW Virtual Museum Experience includes signature features of the on-site experience. Highlights include LIVE interactive tours of key spaces including our main exhibit, The Story of We the People; the iconic Signers’ Hall; the Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit, featuring over 100 artifacts; and our newest exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote.

Become a Member and Support Constitutional Education for All! 

Learners of all ages and from all parts of the country have joined the National Constitution Center’s live online classes, taught by Jeffrey Rosen and other experts. Upcoming classes will focus on the Bill of Rights, slavery in America, and the 14th Amendment. Your membership gift provides you with unlimited access to the Center’s exhibits and programs and makes all of our work possible! Your support can ensure that no matter where they are, students nationwide can have access to the National Constitution Center’s constitutionally-themed exhibits and online learning resources to engage with the text, meaning, and history of the U.S. Constitution. Learn more and join online today or call 215-409-6767.

November 28-29

The National Constitution Center is participating in Museum Store Sunday on November 28-29. We are offering 10% off your online or in-person museum store purchase using code: MSS2020. You can browse our Constitution-themed merchandise, including items related to our new 19th Amendment exhibit—like this "Votes for Women" pin set—in the online museum store.

More information about Museum Store Sunday can be found at museumstoresunday.org.