Creating the United States

April 12, 2008–May 5, 2012

Imagination and vision played critical roles in the creative act of forming a self-governing United States of America. The collections of the Library of Congress are unquestionably the worlds best source for documenting that process. This exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to learn in a fresh new way how the founding documents that emerged from this period were forged out of insight, invention, and creativity, as well as collaboration and much compromise.

Creating the Declaration of Independence

Despite great uncertainties, America's founders pressed forward to independence and the creation of a federal republic. The Declaration of Independence became a lasting beacon for those seeking justice, human dignity, and self-government throughout the world. Read more about Creating the Declaration of Independence »

Spirit of the Declaration Invoked to Sell...

John Hancock, President of the Continenta...

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Creating the United States Constitution

America’s search for a plan of national government was a slow, difficult process. Compromise, cooperation, and creativity were required as the Americans moved from a patriarchal monarchy to citizen-leaders in a representative republic. Read more about Creating the United States Constitution »

American Japanese Forced to Evacuate Home...

Benjamin Franklin’s Proposed Plan of Conf...

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Creating the Bill of Rights

In 1789 Congress passed proposed amendments to the Constitution as one of its first orders of business. Viewed as unnecessary by many and a mere diversion by others, the first ten amendments, which became known as the Bill of Rights, became the bedrock of individual rights and liberties. Read more about Creating the Bill of Rights »

Unity Seen in Jefferson’s Inaugural Addre...

Not All Republicans Reconcile with Federa...

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Interactives

Creating the Constitution Interactive

These interactives reveal the source documents and the careful crafting of language that laid the foundation of the American republic.

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