Eleanor Finch
Constitution Day, also known as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on September 17. The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787 and is marked by educational institutions and government agencies with special programs and activities to help students and citizens understand the history and meaning of the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 September |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Purpose | To commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution |
| Participants | Schools, government agencies, federal courts |
| Activities | Educational programs, naturalization ceremonies, classroom activities, discussions, contests |
| Topics | History of the Constitution, amendments, Bill of Rights, citizenship |
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What You'll Learn
Constitution Day is celebrated on 17 September
The day is also known as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Schools and libraries observe this day by providing educational programs and activities to help students learn about the US Constitution. This includes studying the history of the Constitution, its amendments, and the Bill of Rights. Constitution Day is a great opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its impact on their lives.
In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia proposed a resolution combining Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The resolution called for public schools and government offices to conduct educational programs about the Constitution. The following year, the US Department of Education announced that all public schools receiving federal funding were required to observe the day by teaching students about the Constitution.
Constitution Day is a chance for students to learn about the history and foundations of the United States and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It is a day to celebrate the creation of the Constitution and to reflect on its importance in shaping the nation. Schools can make this day engaging for students with activities like word finds, crosswords, treasure hunts, and poster contests related to the Constitution.
Constitution Day is a federal holiday, and federal courts also participate by offering educational resources and experiences in their communities. Naturalization ceremonies are often held in ballparks and federal courthouses across the US, bringing together communities, schools, and new citizens. Constitution Day is a significant day in the US, honouring the foundational document of the nation and the rights and responsibilities it outlines for its citizens.
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It commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787
Constitution Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on September 17 each year. The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
The US Constitution is the most basic law of the United States and established the federal government of the country. It also set out a balance of power across the three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The Constitution has been amended 17 times since the Bill of Rights was added, with changes addressing important issues such as the abolition of slavery, granting citizenship to formerly enslaved people, and giving Black men and women the right to vote.
Constitution Day is also known as Citizenship Day, recognising all those who have become citizens of the United States. Schools and libraries observe the day by providing educational programs and activities for students to learn about the Constitution, such as its history and important amendments. Constitution Week is also sometimes observed, with the entire week dedicated to learning about the US Constitution.
Constitution Day was first celebrated in the early 1900s by various states, with the third Sunday in May designated as "I Am an American Day" in 1940. In 1952, the day was moved to September 17 and renamed Citizenship Day. In 2004, it was officially renamed Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
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Schools are required to teach students about the Constitution
Constitution Day, or Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on September 17. The day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. Constitution Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities it grants to citizens. Schools are required to teach students about the Constitution on this day.
The U.S. Constitution is the most basic law of the land, establishing the federal government and outlining the balance of power across its three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. It is a document that has shaped the country's history and continues to influence the lives of its citizens today. Teaching students about the Constitution is essential to helping them understand their rights and responsibilities as Americans.
In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia proposed a resolution combining Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The resolution called for public schools and government offices to conduct educational programs on the Constitution. This legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education announced that all public schools receiving federal funds were required to observe the day by teaching students about the Constitution.
Schools can approach teaching the Constitution in a variety of ways. They might discuss the history of the document, including how it came into being and how it has been amended over time to address important issues such as slavery, citizenship rights, and voting rights. Schools can also engage students in conversations about the Bill of Rights and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Educational activities, such as poster contests and amendment memorization bees, can also be used to help students learn about the Constitution in an engaging way.
Some states, like Arizona, have taken additional steps to ensure that students have a strong understanding of the Constitution. In Arizona, students are required to score 60% or higher on a multiple-choice civics test in order to receive their high school diploma. While elementary schools in the state are not required to teach the Constitution, parents can take it upon themselves to introduce their children to this important document. Constitution Day provides an excellent opportunity for parents and educators alike to engage young people in learning about the foundations of American democracy.
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Constitution Day was previously called Citizenship Day
Constitution Day is a federal holiday in the United States, held annually on September 17. The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution by the Founding Fathers on September 17, 1787. Constitution Day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the US Constitution and its creators, as well as the rights and responsibilities of US citizens.
Constitution Day is observed by schools and government agencies across the US, with educational institutions that receive federal funding being required to hold educational programs about the Constitution for their students. Many schools discuss the Constitution with students, covering topics such as its history, important amendments, and the Bill of Rights. Some schools also set aside the entire week as Constitution Week, with additional educational activities and programs.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are also marked by federal courts, which offer educational resources and experiences in their communities. Naturalization ceremonies are often held in ballparks and federal courthouses across the US, bringing together communities, schools, and new citizens.
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The day is marked by educational programs and activities
Constitution Day, also known as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on 17 September. It commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on 17 September 1787. The day is marked by educational programs and activities that help students understand the U.S. Constitution and its impact on their lives.
Schools and libraries observe Constitution Day by organising special educational programs and activities for students to learn about the Constitution. These programs often include discussions on the history of the Constitution, its interpretation, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students also learn about important amendments, such as the Bill of Rights, and their significance.
Many schools encourage students to participate in activities like poster and amendment contests. In the poster contest, students create posters that best represent the Constitution, with winners receiving prizes. The amendment contest is similar to a spelling bee, where students are eliminated if they cannot recite an amendment from memory.
Constitution Day lesson plans often include activities tailored to different grade levels, such as word finds, crosswords, treasure hunts, matching games, and rap songs. These activities make learning about the Constitution engaging and accessible to younger students.
Beyond the classroom, federal courts participate in Constitution Day by offering educational resources and experiences in their communities. One such example is the "Civil Discourse and the Constitution: Candid Conversations" program, where students engage in discussions with federal judges and volunteer lawyers, fostering an understanding of civility and decision-making skills.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17.
The day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.
In 1940, Congress designated the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day". In 1952, they moved the day to September 17 and called it Citizenship Day. The day was renamed Constitution Day in 2004.
Schools observe Constitution Day by having special educational programs and activities that help students learn about the Constitution. They study subjects like the history of the Constitution, amendments, and the Bill of Rights.
Yes, Constitution Day is a federal holiday in the United States.
