Independence Hall, and the Flexibility of the American Constitution
- Andrew Cross
- May 7
- 2 min read
You probably already know that Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both debated and adopted. You might even know that George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787. But here’s something you may not have heard - something that has stuck with me as I walk through that room with a tour group.
Independence Hall Holds A Secret Weapon For Democracy
Right there in Article V of the Constitution - drafted just a few feet from where I now stand when leading tours - there’s a blank space of sorts. Not a literal gap on the parchment, but a conceptual opening: a built-in process for amending the document. Think about that. The highest law in the land...with an escape hatch.
Now, there’s no official record of George Washington standing up and dramatically declaring, “Let’s leave this open for future generations.”
That would make for a great movie scene, sure - but it’s not what the journals or convention notes say. What we do know is that Washington rarely spoke during the Convention. But when he did speak - or lend his support - it was usually to advocate for unity and stability. And allowing future generations to make adjustments? That may have been the most unifying, stabilizing idea of all.
The History of America Is Still Being Written
It’s easy to romanticize these founders - and I admit, sometimes I do too. But the beauty of Independence Hall isn’t in the perfection of what happened here. It’s in the fact that what they built was unfinished by design. The American Constitution is not just a historical document, it is a living & breathing relationship between you and the nation. The Declaration of Independence can be as real for you today as it was when it was first sent, a message of treason, back to England.
When you visit Old City and stand outside the brick façade on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th, you’re not just seeing a building. You’re standing at the intersection of idealism and imperfection - a reminder that America was never supposed to be static.
Want to know the secret gestures, the hidden alliances, and the unscripted moments that made the Constitution possible? Join us for a walking tour of Philadelphia’s historic district.
Independence Hall is just one stop - but once you hear the full story, it might just become your favorite.
