Who Keeps the Great Seal? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer to who keeps the Great Seal depends entirely on which seal you’re asking about! The Great Seal of the United States is entrusted to the Secretary of State. They are the custodian of this crucial national symbol. But the United States isn’t the only entity with a great seal. Many states, and even other countries, have their own great seals, each with its own designated keeper.
Understanding who’s responsible for each seal requires delving into specific jurisdictions and their respective laws and customs. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of who holds the Great Seal in various contexts, along with frequently asked questions to further clarify this fascinating topic.
Great Seals Around the World
The Great Seal of the United States
As mentioned, the Secretary of State is the custodian of the Great Seal of the United States. This individual is responsible for ensuring its proper use and safekeeping. The Great Seal is used to authenticate important documents such as treaties, commissions, and U.S. passports. You’ll also find it on the reverse of the $1 bill. In March 1961, it was placed in its permanent residence in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State.
The Department of State discourages the commercial use of the Great Seal, allowing it only for governmental or educational purposes. They do not provide artwork for its use other than for official State Department material.
State Great Seals
Many individual U.S. states also have their own Great Seals, each with a designated keeper. These roles often fall to the Secretary of State or a similar elected official. Here are a few examples:
- Illinois: The Secretary of State is the keeper of the Great Seal of the State of Illinois.
- Georgia: The Secretary of State for Georgia is the keeper of the Great Seal of Georgia.
- Missouri: The Secretary of State serves as the official keeper of the Great Seal of Missouri.
- Idaho: Emma Edwards Green, was the designer of the Great Seal of Idaho.
The responsibilities of these keepers involve maintaining the physical seal, overseeing its proper usage, and ensuring its security.
Other National Great Seals
Other countries also have their own Great Seals, with their own distinct roles and custodians. For example, in the Philippines, the President has custody of their Great Seal. In the United Kingdom, the Lord Chancellor, also called Lord High Chancellor or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, is the custodian.
The Significance of Great Seals
Great seals are more than just stamps; they are symbols of sovereignty, authority, and legitimacy. They represent the power and integrity of a nation or state. The designs and imagery used on these seals often carry deep historical and cultural significance, reflecting the values and aspirations of the people they represent. Consider how this can translate into educational games and engaging ways for learning. You can find resources about this at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a Great Seal?
A Great Seal is used to authenticate official documents, signifying that they have been issued by the proper authority. This lends credibility and legal validity to the documents. They are often found on treaties, commissions, proclamations, and warrants.
2. Can anyone use the Great Seal of the United States?
Generally, no. The Department of State discourages its use, except for governmental or educational purposes. Commercial use is restricted. Public Law 91-651 and Title 18 of the United States Code govern the usage.
3. Has the Great Seal of the U.S. ever been changed?
Yes, the design of the Great Seal of the United States has evolved over time. Changes were made to the design. The shield was changed, substituting for chevrons 13 vertical stripes alternately white and red below a blue chief.
4. How many stars are on the Great Seal of the United States?
The Great Seal features a constellation of 13 stars, representing the 13 original states.
5. What does “E Pluribus Unum” mean on the Great Seal?
“E Pluribus Unum” is a Latin phrase meaning “out of many, one.” It symbolizes the unification of the states into a single nation.
6. What is the difference between a Great Seal and a privy seal?
A privy seal is the personal seal of a monarch, used for documents of a personal nature. A Great Seal is used for documents of greater importance and public significance.
7. What does the eagle holding arrows and an olive branch symbolize?
The eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other symbolizes the desire for peace but also the preparedness for war.
8. Why is there a pyramid on the Great Seal?
The pyramid is unfinished, symbolizing the ongoing process of building and improving the nation.
9. Are there two sides to the Great Seal of the United States?
Yes, there is an obverse (front) side and a reverse side. The reverse side features the unfinished pyramid and the Eye of Providence.
10. Is it legal to use the Presidential Seal?
Commercial use of the Presidential Seal is generally prohibited by law (18 USC 713) and further defined by Executive Orders.
11. Why is the number 13 significant on the Great Seal?
The number 13 appears multiple times, representing the 13 original states.
12. Does the Vice President have a seal?
Yes, the Vice President has a seal. It consists of the Coat of Arms encircled by the words “Vice President of the United States.”
13. Where is the Great Seal of the United States kept?
The Great Seal of the United States is placed in its permanent residence in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State.
14. Who created the Great Seal of Idaho?
The state Great Seal was designed by Emma Edwards Green, the only woman to design a U.S. state seal.
15. What does a Lord Keeper of the Great Seal do?
The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal was formerly an officer charged with the physical custody of the Great Seal of England. This position evolved into one of the Great Officers of State.
Conclusion
Understanding who keeps the Great Seal requires recognizing the specific context—whether it’s the national seal of the United States, a state seal, or the seal of another country. These seals are more than just symbols; they represent the authority, sovereignty, and legitimacy of the entity they represent. Knowing who holds these seals helps us appreciate the mechanisms that help ensure the integrity of important documents and the representation of these entities. Considering the many facts about Great Seals, educators and game developers may want to consider looking into the Games Learning Society for ideas for turning facts like this into an educational and fun game!