Beyond the Preamble
The amendment that took 200 years and other intriguing Constitution facts
Image: Anthony Garand
The Constitution is undoubtedly one of the most important documents in our history —and in our present! But even if we think we know everything about it, there are still some surprising details that might shock even the most knowledgeable history fans. Did you know that the 27th Amendment, which is also the last one, took more than 200 years to be ratified? Join us to uncover 10 fascinating facts about the Constitution that many people don't know about!
1
10/12
Image: Sue Winston
We know that the Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, but did you know that Congress originally proposed 12 amendments? That's right! Yet, the states ratified only 10, leaving two out.
But here's the interesting part: One of these unratified amendments —the one concerning congressional compensation— was ratified more than 200 years later! In 1992, it became the 27th Amendment, which is also the last one.
2
World record
Image: Pierre Bamin
Our Constitution was signed in the 18th century, and while we know it's been a long time, what you might not know is that it is considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in effect today.
With various changes and amendments added over the years, this document not only defined the ideals of our nation but also earned us a world record!
3
The youngest
Image: MJ S
The men who signed this historic document were of varying ages. In fact, the age difference between the youngest and oldest signer was a remarkable 55 years!
The youngest to sign was attorney Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, who was 26 years old at the time. Do you want to know who was the oldest? Keep reading!
4
The oldest
Image: Adam Nir
Well, as we mentioned, there was a 55-year age gap between the youngest and oldest signers of the US Constitution.
Do you know who the oldest was? That's right, Benjamin Franklin! He was a distinguished 81 years old when he signed this historic document.
5
500 copies
Image: Christa Dodoo
The original Constitution had 500 copies printed for distribution, made by the Founding Fathers themselves. They distributed those copies to members of Congress and state legislatures. Of those 500 original copies, however, only 13 are known to exist today. We have to say that, given that more than 230 years have passed, it's impressive that so many have survived!
6
How much?
Image: Jp Valery
Logically, since so few original copies remain, they ' re incredibly rare and valuable. In fact, one of these original documents was sold in 2021, and you won't believe its price!
You might have imagined it was sold for $5 million, maybe $10 million. But no, this invaluable copy went for $43.2 million. With that sale, it also became the most expensive historical document ever sold at an auction.
7
30 bucks
Image: Barry A
The person who transcribed the original US Constitution signed in 1787 had an important job, didn't he? The man who accomplished this major deed was Jacob Shallus, a clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly at the time. He was responsible for taking the text drafted by the Founding Fathers and transcribing it onto parchment: over 4,000 words scribbled down entirely by hand! Surprisingly, he was paid just $30 for this task.
8
Let's celebrate
Image: Kelly Sikkema
In 1789, long before Thanksgiving became an official national holiday, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring November 26 as a day to give thanks. As it was an occasion for national gratitude, he also encouraged citizens to celebrate the birth of the new nation and the recently established Constitution.
9
A spelling issue
Image: Katherine McAdoo
Being a text from so long ago, some words —particularly proper nouns— may have changed slightly since the Constitution was first drafted. This was the case for the state of Pennsylvania, which is spelled as "Pensylvania" in the original document. However, while some may consider it a misspelling today, it was actually an accepted spelling for the state's name in the 18th century.
Fun fact: You can also find "Pensylvania" engraved on the Liberty Bell!
10
The Father of the Constitution
Image: Richard Hedrick
"The Father of the Constitution" is one of the nicknames given to James Madison, one of our Founding Fathers. And it's these very words that appear on the rare $5,000 bill.
Although this bill is no longer in circulation, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, you'll read "James Madison, The Father of the Constitution" next to the portrait of the 4th U.S. President.
