National Constitution Center

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• Learn more about American history, auditory learners, biographies, civics, current events, government, inquiry, politics, primary sources, and visual learners.

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On this media-rich site users can explore the Constitution and the basic governing principles, founding fathers and documents essential to the formation of the United States government. Experience the Constitution in Spanish or see the document through new eyes by accessing the Interactive Constitution section.

The most engaging part of the National Constitutional Center site is the historical timeline. Centuries of Citizenship covers United States history related to rights and responsibilies from the first settlements through the World Trade Towers disaster and recent Supreme Court rulings. In addition to a chronological coverage of the events and issues that formed and reshaped United States history, this timeline is searchable and features profiles of major people and events with links to the relevant New York Times articles from that time period. To explore the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson users can read the April 26, 1868 edition of the newspaper coverage of the final vote. The broadband version of the timeline is image-rich, and includes audio enhancement; a less “Flashy” version is available if your connection is slower. Other important resources include Constitutional History Links and the Legislative Action Center. The Educational Resources include lesson plans and an extensive collection called Teaching with Current Events that includes activities designed to show students how the Constitution affects our lives on a daily basis. Kids, don’t miss the interactive game Save the Bill of Rights! located on the For Kids page.This is a companion site to the National Constitution Center at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, a museum dedicated to honoring and explaining the U.S. Constitution through interactive and multimedia exhibits, photographs, film, sculpture, text and artifacts.