Mind-Blowing Typos in the US Constitution: Hidden Mistakes Revealed
As a history enthusiast and content researcher with years studying primary sources like the National Archives, I've always been fascinated by the human side of America's founding documents. The US Constitution is a masterpiece—but it's not perfect. Drafted in secrecy and engraved under pressure, it contains surprising typos, spelling quirks, and errors that have sparked debates for centuries. Some call them "mind-blowing mistakes," with myths even suggesting one almost started a civil war. Let's uncover the truth with facts, examples, and context.
These errors don't change the Constitution's meaning or validity—they highlight that even the Founding Fathers were human. Top sources often list them dryly; here, we'll explore them engagingly, with real stories and why they matter today.
Why Does the Constitution Have Typos?
The original Constitution was handwritten on parchment by Jacob Shallus, a Philadelphia clerk, in just days after the 1787 Convention. Rushed work led to minor slips. Early printings added more variations. Unlike modern editing, there was no spell-check!
- 18th-Century Spelling: English lacked standardization; variants were common.
- Scrivener's Errors: Clerical mistakes during copying or engraving.
- Style Choices: Some "errors" were intentional, like heavy capitalization.
Real example: Shallus scraped off mistakes with a penknife, leaving visible rough patches on the parchment (visible at the National Archives).
Most Famous Typos and Mistakes in the Constitution
Here are the standout errors, explained simply.
1. Misspelled "Pennsylvania" as "Pensylvania"
The biggest glaring typo: In the signers' list, Pennsylvania appears as "Pensylvania" (missing an "n"). Ironic, since the Convention was in Philadelphia!
Alexander Hamilton wrote state names next to signatures—likely a hasty error.
2. "Chuse" Instead of "Choose"
"Choose" is spelled "chuse" multiple times (e.g., electing presidents). Not a mistake—common alternate spelling in 1787 (like British English today).
3. "It's" vs. "Its" Mix-Up
Article I, Section 10 uses "it's" (contraction for "it is") where "its" (possessive) is needed. Clear grammatical slip, but meaning is obvious.
4. Inconsistent Commas and Punctuation
The Preamble uses Oxford commas perfectly, but Article II skips one: "The President, Vice President and all civil Officers..." This sparked minor debates, but no major issues.
5. Heavy Capitalization
Almost all nouns capitalized (German-style). Modern versions lowercase them—style, not error.
Pros & Cons Table of These "Mistakes":
| Pros (Why They Don't Matter) | Cons (Why They Spark Interest) |
|---|---|
| Don't affect legal meaning | Fuel myths and conspiracy theories |
| Show human element of Founders | Confuse modern readers |
| Preserved in original for history | Repeated in textbooks without context |
| Highlight evolution of English | Lead to questions about accuracy |
Did a Typo in the Constitution Almost Start a Civil War?
This "mind-blowing" claim circulates online, but no direct evidence exists. The Civil War stemmed from slavery, states' rights, and economic divides—not a typo.
Closest links: Printed versions pre-Civil War sometimes varied, but core text was consistent. Myths may confuse with Declaration of Independence punctuation debates or later Supreme Court typos (like a 1928 property rights error causing "reign of error").
Fact: Slavery compromises (e.g., Three-Fifths Clause) fueled tensions, but no single typo triggered war.
Common Mistakes When Discussing Constitution Typos
Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting Real vs. Myth:
- Check original parchment (National Archives images).
- Compare to 1787 prints.
- Understand 18th-century English.
- Avoid modern projections.
Common Mistake: Calling "chuse" wrong—it's authentic.
Another: Overstating impact—no error invalidated the document.
Later Errors in Amendments and Prints
20th-century amendments had congressional mistakes (e.g., wording slips fixed quietly). But original seven pages hold the famous ones.
Practical Tip: View high-res scans online—spot "Pensylvania" yourself!
FAQ: Common Questions About Constitution Typos
Why is Pennsylvania spelled Pensylvania in the Constitution?
Alexander Hamilton's handwriting error in the signers' list—one "n" missing.
Did typos in the Constitution cause any real problems?
No major legal issues; courts interpret intent over literal errors.
Is "chuse" a typo in the Constitution?
No—valid 1787 spelling variant.
Did a Constitution mistake almost start the Civil War?
Myth—no evidence; war causes were deeper (slavery, secession).
How many spelling errors are in the original Constitution?
Few true errors; mostly style differences (e.g., one clear misspelling, possessives).
Can Constitution typos be fixed?
Original preserved; modern prints standardize without changing meaning.
In conclusion, these mind-blowing typos in the Constitution remind us: greatness comes from imperfect humans. They add charm without diminishing power. As an expert in historical documents, I trust sources like the National Archives—explore them yourself!
If you have any doubts, Please let me know