Eleanor Finch
Constitution Day, observed annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day was established by law in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd passed a bill designating September 17 as a day for citizens to learn about and celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The day traces its origins to 1940 when Congress passed a resolution for the recognition of American citizenship, with the name changing to Citizenship Day in 1952. Constitution Day promotes civic literacy and engagement, with educational institutions encouraged to provide programs and resources to enhance understanding of the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th of September |
| Year established | 2004 |
| Other names | Citizenship Day |
| Purpose | To commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and to encourage Americans to learn more about the Constitution |
| Requirements | Public schools and government offices to provide educational programs |
| Observance | National observance |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Constitution Day was established by law in 2004
- Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution
- The U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787
- The U.S. Constitution established the framework of the government
- Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004
Constitution Day was established by law in 2004
The U.S. Constitution is the fundamental framework of America's system of government. It separates the powers of government into three branches: the legislative branch, which makes the laws; the executive branch, which executes the laws; and the judicial branch, which interprets the laws. The Constitution also sets up a system of checks and balances to ensure no one branch has too much power, divides power between the states and the federal government, and describes the purposes and duties of the government.
The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia in 1787, in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. This was the same place the Declaration of Independence was signed. The document was signed on September 17, 1787, by thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention, marking the end of the Convention. The Constitutional Convention was conducted under an oath of secrecy, so when the document was published in a newspaper two days later, it was the first time Americans saw the Constitution.
Constitution Day was established to encourage all Americans to learn more about the Constitution. The act requires that any educational institution that receives federal funding holds an educational program about the Constitution on September 17. Constitution Day also applies to federal agencies.
Our Constitution: Guarding Against Man's Sinful Nature
You may want to see also
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution
The signing of the Constitution was conducted in secrecy, and the public first saw the document when it was published in a newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, on September 19, 1787, two days after it was signed. The original handwritten Constitution can now be found at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Constitution Day was established by law in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia added a clause to his federal spending bill, designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and learn more about this founding document. The act also requires educational institutions that receive federal funding to hold educational programs about the Constitution on this day. Constitution Day is also referred to as Citizenship Day, and it traces back to 1940 when Congress passed a resolution for the recognition of American citizenship. In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday Citizenship Day and moved it to September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. In 1956, Congress established Constitution Week to begin each year on Citizenship Day, September 17, to encourage Americans to learn more about the Constitution.
Constitution Day is celebrated through activities, learning, parades, and demonstrations of love for the United States and the freedoms secured by the Founding Fathers. Naturalization ceremonies are also often held on this day, where new citizens take the oath of allegiance, becoming a part of the "We, the People" referred to in the Constitution.
The Executive: Directly Elected Under the Original Constitution?
You may want to see also
The U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787
The U.S. Constitution, the world's oldest national constitution, was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It is a powerful vision of freedom that has inspired the world and changed the trajectory of history. Drafted in secret by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, it established the framework of the U.S. government and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens.
The Constitution is a living document that has endured for over two centuries, surviving civil war, economic depressions, assassinations, and terrorist attacks. It has been strengthened by amendments, serving as a guide and protector of U.S. citizens and their elected officials. The document separates the powers of government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial, creating a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch holds too much power. It also divides authority between the states and the federal government.
The signing of the Constitution is commemorated annually on September 17, known as Constitution Day. This observance was established by law in 2004 by Senator Robert Byrd, who added a clause to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005. The day aims to promote a better understanding of the Constitution among citizens. Constitution Day mandates educational institutions and government offices receiving federal funds to provide programs and instruction on the Constitution.
Constitution Day traces its origins to 1940 when Congress passed a resolution authorising the President to issue an annual proclamation for the recognition of American citizenship. The resolution evolved over time, with the name changing from ""Citizenship Day"" to "I Am an American Day" and eventually back to "Citizenship Day" in 1952. In 1956, Congress established Constitution Week, starting on September 17, to encourage Americans to learn more about the Constitution. Constitution Day has since become a significant occasion for Americans to celebrate their freedoms, honour their Founding Fathers, and deepen their understanding of their nation's founding principles.
Representation at the Constitutional Convention: Who Decided?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The U.S. Constitution established the framework of the government
The U.S. Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, established the framework of the government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today. It is considered the most influential document in American history, and its creation depended on the knowledge, experience, and dedication of its framers. The Constitution has endured civil wars, economic depressions, assassinations, and terrorist attacks, remaining a source of wisdom and inspiration. It is a living document that has been strengthened by amendments, serving as a guide and protector of U.S. citizens and their elected officials.
The Constitution is the fundamental framework of America's system of government, and it separates the powers of government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch executes them, and the judicial branch interprets them. Additionally, the Constitution sets up a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one branch holds too much power. It also divides power between the states and the federal government and outlines the purposes and duties of the government.
The Constitution has been amended 17 times since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791. Some key provisions include the original requirement for the House to have one representative for every 30,000 people, and the power given to the president to convene and adjourn Congress. The 9th Amendment states that there may be rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution, and the 21st Amendment is the only one that overturns an earlier amendment (the 18th).
The importance of the Constitution is such that in 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia included provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005, designating September 17 as Constitution Day. This day serves to promote a better understanding of the Constitution among citizens. Constitution Day mandates educational institutions that receive federal funds to hold programs and teach students about the Constitution, ensuring that future generations understand their rights and the framework of their government.
Mayflower Compact: Constitution's Founding Principles
You may want to see also
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004
Constitution Day, which falls on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The Founding Fathers signed what has become the most influential document in American history, establishing the framework of the U.S. government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today.
The national celebration of Constitution Day traces back to 1940 when Congress passed a resolution authorizing the President to issue an annual proclamation designating the third Sunday in May for the recognition, observance, and commemoration of American citizenship. The resolution originally specified the day to be called "Citizenship Day", but the conference committee changed the name to "I Am An American Day".
In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday back to "Citizenship Day" and moved it to September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. Then, in 1956, to encourage Americans to learn more about the Constitution, Congress established Constitution Week, to begin each year on Citizenship Day, September 17.
Congress' Role: Shaping the Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day was established by law in 2004, when Senator Robert Byrd passed a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, by thirty-nine men, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.
Constitution Day celebrates the framework of the U.S. government and the rights and freedoms that its citizens enjoy. It is a day to reflect on the governing principles of the nation and promote civic literacy and engagement.
