By Common Consent

September 25, 2019 - February 27, 2020

Inspired. The Senate Library was inspired to share the Senate's past with all who work in and visit Pennsylvania's Capitol.

Uncovered. Much time and dedicated research has uncovered the Senate's untold and fascinating Institutional history.

Honored. The Senate Library honors the Senate's past and creates a legacy of this Institution through these exhibitions.

BY COMMON CONSENT exhibition continues to focus on the three core goals above.

This timely exhibition, the 243^rd anniversary of the Pennsylvania Constitution is September 28, 2019. BY COMMON CONSENT is a phrase used in the original 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution 6 times.

By Common Consent will feature exhibit displays, each celebrating a different aspect of Constitutional democracy in Pennsylvania. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to explore the Constitution’s creation in 1776, its evolution over time and how citizens today interact with Pennsylvania’s foundation of democracy.

Senate Resolution Introduction

Goals

The viewer will be introduced to the Pennsylvania Constitution and the process to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The viewer will be able to identify the 5 years of Pennsylvania Constitutional Conventions.
The viewer will read about the first Pennsylvania Constitution (1776), including its weaknesses.
The viewer will be presented with the amendment process from the initial introduction of the resolution to the signing of legislation by the Governor.

Pennsylvania Academic Standards (History, US History, and Civics and Government) met in whole or in part* by this exhibition

Note: *The text for this exhibition is written (with the exception of field-specific language) for the sixth grade level. For more information on Pennsylvania’s Department of Education Standards, and more related standards, please visit PDE SAS.

PDE Standard:
5.1.6 Principles and Documents of Government
How Senate Library Exhibition meets this standard: The entire exhibition allows the viewer the opportunity to fulfill this standard through an examination of the various points of view, secondary sources, and facts related to the historical events represented in this exhibition.

PDE Standard:
8.1.5.B: Classify and analyze fact and opinion from multiple points of view, and secondary sources as related to historical events.
How Senate Library Exhibition meets this standard: The entire exhibition allows the viewer the opportunity to fulfill this standard through an examination of the various points of view, secondary sources, and facts related to the historical events represented in this exhibition.

PDE Standard:
8.1.6.A: Explain continuity and change over time using sequential order and context of events.
How Senate Library Exhibition meets this standard: The entire exhibition allows the viewer the opportunity to fulfill this standard through an examination of the various points of view, secondary sources, and facts related to the historical events represented in this exhibition.

PDE Standard:
8.2.5.B: Illustrate concepts and knowledge of historical documents, artifacts, and places critical to Pennsylvania history.
How Senate Library Exhibition meets this standard: The entire exhibition demonstrates this standard by using various, diverse sources to illustrate places, objects, and documents critical to Pennsylvania history.

Exhibition Team

Megan Martin
Evelyn Andrews
Jess Rodic
Sarah Greenwald
Donna Wheeler
George Soule
Amy Gregory
Ashley Haldeman

Other Organization and Individuals: Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, Chloe Mandara & Jon Hopcraft , Senator Phillips-Hill staff; Jonathan Stayer, Supervisor of Reference Services, & Michael D. Sherbon, Associate Archivist, PA State Archives; Helen Mabus, Graphics Illustrator, Senate Democratic Caucus Operations; Madi Wolfe, Photographer, Senate Republican Communications; Jason Tully, Legislative Applications Supervisor, & David Burton, Computer Programmer, LDPC.