The Restoring the Guardrails of Democracy initiative brings together America’s leading constitutional scholars and thought leaders of diverse perspectives to identify reforms that could preserve the institutional guardrails on which democracy depends. The Center commissioned three teams—conservative, libertarian, and progressive—to identify potential reforms that could address current threats to American democracy and strengthen its institutional guardrails. Read the reports

19th Amendment Anniversary

August 26 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Regular museum admission

August 26 marks the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed the right to vote could not be denied on the basis of sex.

Commemorate this special anniversary by visiting our newest exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote. Learn about the triumphs and struggles that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the many women who transformed constitutional history—including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and Ida B. Wells.

Debate at America's Town Hall

Stay tuned! A new lineup of America’s Town Hall programs for fall 2022 will be announced soon.

Missed a program? Check out the Media Library of our Interactive Constitution to watch or listen to any of our past town hall programs.

Highlights from this season include:

• 2022 Annual Supreme Court Review
• Social Media and Public Health: A Conversation Featuring State Attorneys General
• Why the First Amendment Matters Today

The National Constitution Center's Civic Calendar is Coming Soon! 

This year’s calendar will explore the 27 Amendments in 12 Months! Each month features beautifully designed informational graphics highlighting the freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, the transformations of the Reconstruction era, the expansion of voting rights, the story of Prohibition (and its repeal), and other rights and freedoms, all granted by the amendments to the U.S. Constitution. In addition to historic birthdays, anniversaries, and constitutional trivia, the calendar also includes the latest information on the Center’s 2022-2023 programs to help you plan your full year of constitutional learning.  

Sign up now, and receive your FREE copy of the Civic Calendar when it’s mailed this month! 

Gear up for Constitution Day! 

In September of 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. Every year, the National Constitution Center hosts the best Constitution Day celebration in the country. We are the place to turn to help you commemorate this historic day while meeting your federal education requirements, at the Center and online!

This year we will be hosting a two-day celebration on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17, with FREE museum admission on both days! Learn more

WATCH

Restoring the Guardrails of Democracy

America's Town Hall | Run time: 1 hour

Restoring the Guardrails of Democracy team leaders Edward B. Foley,Sarah Isgur, and Clark Neily discuss their proposals that identify institutional, legal, and technological reforms to address current threats to American democracy. Watch now

LISTEN

What is the “Independent State Legislature Doctrine”? – Part 2

We the People podcast | Run time: 54 minutes

Vikram Amar and Jason Torchinsky examine the arguments for and against the so-called "independent state legislature" theory, or the power of state courts to review election regulations set by state legislatures. Listen now

The EPA, Federal Power, and the Future of Climate Regulations – Part 2

We the People podcast | Run time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Jonathan Adler and Lisa Heinzerling unpack the opinion in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency and the future of the administrative state. Listen now

READ

The Seneca Falls Convention Begins

Constitution Daily blog | Read time: 4 minutes

"The Seneca Falls Convention is regarded by many as the birthplace of American feminism. Heralded as the first women’s rights convention in the United States, it was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19 and 20, 1848. ..." Read more

10 Fascinating Facts About the Liberty Bell

Constitution Daily blog | Read time: 4 minutes

"On July 8, 1776, popular legend says the Liberty Bell rang to symbolize America’s independence from Great Britain. But many “facts” about the Bell, such as its 1776 ringing, are shrouded in mystery. ..." Read more

All of the latest constitutional content from the National Constitution Center is available on the Media Library of the Interactive Constitution. America's Town Hall programs and Constitution 101 classes are also available on our YouTube channel.

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