Thirteen eras. Each one tested the document.
The periods follow common textbook divisions. Each era page gathers the decisions, amendments and events of its years, the language of the time, and the executive orders of its presidencies.
1787–1800The foundingHow far does federal power reach?1 cases2 amendments5 rights and powers1801–1849The early republicWho decides what the Constitution means?4 cases1 amendments1 rights and powers1850–1865Sectional crisis and Civil WarCan the Constitution exclude people from citizenship?1 cases1 amendments3 rights and powers1866–1877ReconstructionWhat do equal protection and due process require of the states?3 cases2 amendments3 rights and powers1878–1900The Gilded AgeDoes equal protection permit legally required separation?6 cases0 amendments1 rights and powers1901–1920The Progressive Era and World War IWhen can speech be punished?4 cases4 amendments2 rights and powers1921–1940The interwar years and the New DealHow much can Congress regulate the economy?8 cases2 amendments3 rights and powers1941–1945World War IIWhat can the government do to citizens in wartime?6 cases0 amendments1 rights and powers1946–1959The early Cold WarHow far can national security limit association and speech?4 cases1 amendments5 rights and powers1960–1974Civil rights and VietnamWhat does “one person, one vote” require?18 cases4 amendments8 rights and powers1975–2000After WatergateHow should intelligence agencies be overseen?7 cases1 amendments6 rights and powers2001–2015After September 11What process is owed to wartime detainees?8 cases0 amendments5 rights and powers2016–nowThe recent eraWhat are the limits of presidential power and immunity?7 cases0 amendments5 rights and powers
Counts are entries in Constilumen dated within each era. Eras differ in length, and the Bill of Rights counts as one amendment entry, as it does on the timeline.
Compare eras on one line. Zoom in or out.
On the timeline, choose any era to narrow every lane to its years.