Here can be a short description of this collection.

Here can be a short description of this collection.

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. Written in 1787, the Constitution originally consisted of seven Articles that outlined the structure and function of the federal government. These articles established the framework for the three branches of government (the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary), defined their powers, and addressed the relationship between federal and state governments.

The Constitution united the citizens of individual states into a national identity, deriving its power from “We the People of the United States.”

 

Here can be a short description of this collection.

Here can be a short description of this collection.

Explore our collection of warm spring gear for rainy days or chilly spring nights, all inspired by American history and the National Archives' holdings. 

The National Archives Store's Watches collection includes unique pieces inspired by science, history, and American culture. They make perfect gifts and practical mementos for daily use that also remind us of the deep heritage of Americans. 

Discover our collection of water bottles and tumblers for your drinks that need to be on-the-go. 

Liberty and justice for all is a defining national tenet of the United States. Beginning with the proclamation in the Declaration of Independence of a self-evident truth that all men are created equal, the struggle to define and protect every American's liberties has been ongoing and complicated.

True equality is elusive for half of the population, however, because of the omission of one simple amendment to the United States Constitution that ensures that the equality of women is explicit. Proposed in 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment, which would guarantee equal rights for women, remains unratified. Women’s freedom to vote was finally won in 1919 after a hard-fought battle. Almost 100 years later, women persist in the fight for equality while society’s views have shifted and traditional gender roles have evolved and dissolved.