Final answer:
The Constitution of the United States is the document on display at the National Archives, recognized as a living document through its amendments including the Bill of Rights, which protect American civil liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The document on display in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC since 1952, protected by titanium frames and argon gas, is the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution, written in 1787 and since amended twenty-seven times, represents a foundational framework for the United States government. It is often referred to as a living document due to its long-standing influence and its ability to evolve with the nation through amendments. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added in 1791 and are crucial for protecting the civil liberties of American citizens.
The Constitution begins with the Preamble, a famous introduction, and outlines the structure of the government, its powers, and the rights of citizens. Visitors to the National Archives can also explore the history and symbolism of the building, designed by John Russell Pope to reflect American values such as unity and democracy, and view the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda.
To fully appreciate the Constitution, one might consider what personal freedoms they value most and the impact if such liberties were ever compromised. The Constitution's endurance over more than two centuries and its importance in establishing governance and protecting rights is a testament to the foresight of the Founding Fathers.