Eleanor Finch
Constitution Day is a holiday that honours the constitution of a country. It is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation, or adoption of the constitution. For instance, in the United States, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787. On this day, schools are required to teach about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Similarly, in India, Constitution Day is celebrated on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 November (India), 17 September (US) |
| Occasion | Commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India, honour the US Constitution |
| History | The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India on 26 November 1949, which came into effect on 26 January 1950. The US Constitution was adopted on 17 September 1787. |
| Traditions | Reciting the Preamble to the US Constitution in unison, naturalization ceremonies, educational initiatives, civil discourse |
| Figures of Note | B.R. Ambedkar, known as the "father of the Indian constitution" |
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What You'll Learn
Constitution Day in the US is celebrated on 17 September
Constitution Day in the US is celebrated annually on 17 September. The day is set aside for citizens to commemorate the signing of the US Constitution and learn more about the country's founding document. Constitution Day is also Citizenship Day, which recognises those who have become citizens by coming of age or naturalisation.
The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and the foundation of the country's legal authority. It was adopted on 17 September 1787 by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Constitution has been amended 17 times since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, with the latest amendment occurring in 1992.
On Constitution Day, schools are required to teach students about the Constitution. Many schools meet this requirement by partnering with their federal court in various ways. Students of all ages may participate in naturalisation ceremonies presided over by federal judges in their communities, giving them a real-life experience of civic engagement. There are also lesson plans, activities, videos, and other resources available for educators, students, and families to deepen their understanding of the Constitution.
Constitution Day celebrations often include reciting the Preamble to the US Constitution in unison. The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution and communicates the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document. It is not the law itself but an introduction to the highest law of the land.
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Constitution Day in India is celebrated on 26 November
Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on 26 November every year. The day marks the anniversary of India adopting its Constitution in 1949, after it was signed by the Constituent Assembly of India. The Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. It is the largest written constitution in the world, with 1,17,360 words in the English version, and 395 Articles and 8 Schedules at its inception.
Constitution Day in India is not a public holiday. The day is marked with celebrations including speeches from prominent leaders, and activities like the 'Samvidhan Yatra' to engage citizens in constitutional awareness. Schools also take part in the celebrations, with students reading the preamble of the constitution, and taking part in quiz and essay competitions on the subject of the constitution of India. In 2019, students of Andhra University participated in the 'Run for Ambedkar' rally to mark the occasion of the 70th Constitution Day.
Constitution Day in India also honours Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. In 2015, the year that marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, the day was declared as Constitution Day by the Government of India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The day was previously celebrated as Law Day.
The Indian Constitution ensures justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, key principles that uphold the nation's democratic values. The Preamble of the Constitution declares the country as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
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Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the constitution
Constitution Day, observed annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the US Constitution. It is a day to honour the supreme law of the United States, which forms the foundation and source of legal authority for the country and its federal government. The US Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the Constitutional Convention.
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004, when Senator Robert Byrd passed a bill designating this day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the Constitution and learn about this foundational document. Senator Byrd believed that all citizens should be aware of their rights as outlined in the Constitution. This belief led to the inclusion of a clause in the 2004 federal spending bill, mandating the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funding, as well as in federal agencies.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are often celebrated together, with a focus on recognizing those who have become citizens, either by coming of age or through naturalization. Reciting the Preamble to the US Constitution in unison has become a tradition on this day. Schools across the nation join with federal courts to fulfil the requirement to teach about the Constitution. Constitution Day provides an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the Constitution and its impact on their lives.
Constitution Day is also observed in other countries, such as India. In India, Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day, is celebrated on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The day was officially declared as Constitution Day by the Indian government in 2015, marking the 125th birth anniversary year of B. R. Ambedkar, known as the father of the Indian Constitution.
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Schools teach the constitution on Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a holiday to honour the constitution of a country. It is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation, or adoption of the constitution. In the United States, Constitution Day is observed on 17 September, commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution on 17 September 1787.
Another way that schools teach the Constitution on Constitution Day is by having students participate in naturalization ceremonies presided over by federal judges in their communities. These ceremonies are public events that bring together communities, schools, and new citizens in federal courthouses and other community sites throughout the year. Students of all ages can take away a real-life experience of civic engagement by participating in these ceremonies. Courts have developed activities and information to prepare students and involve them in the ceremonies in simple yet meaningful ways.
Additionally, schools can use a variety of resources provided by the three branches of government to plan their Constitution Day programs. These include links to websites with materials that can be used as teaching materials in the classroom. While the U.S. Department of Education does not direct or control particular curricula or lesson plans, it offers examples of resources for students and learners of all ages to help them understand and embrace the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. For instance, a video of high school students interpreting the promises and the impact of the preamble on their lives can be used as a discussion starter to stimulate reflection, writing, and civil discourse among teens and adults.
Finally, reciting the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in unison has become embedded in the traditions of Constitution Day. Students in classrooms can be inspired to understand and embrace the preamble, which sets the stage for the Constitution by introducing the highest law of the land.
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Constitution Day is also known as Citizenship Day
Constitution Day is a holiday honouring the constitution of a country. It is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation, or adoption of the constitution. In the United States, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, the day the US Constitution was signed in 1787. The day is also known as Citizenship Day, a name given to it by Congress in 1952.
Citizenship Day was originally observed on the third Sunday in May, starting in 1940. The purpose of the day was to recognise those who had attained the status of citizenship in the country. In 1952, Congress moved the observance to September 17, the same date as Constitution Day, and the holiday was renamed "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day".
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a federal observance that recognises both the adoption of the US Constitution and those who have become US citizens. Schools and government agencies across the US observe the day, with many schools teaching about the Constitution and participating in activities such as naturalisation ceremonies and civil discourse exercises. Federal courts also participate by offering educational resources and experiences in their communities.
The traditions of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day include reciting the Preamble to the US Constitution in unison. This tradition is observed in classrooms, courtrooms, and communities, with the aim of inspiring young people to understand and embrace the Preamble. Naturalisation ceremonies are also a significant part of the day, bringing together communities, schools, and new citizens in federal courthouses and other community sites.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day in the United States falls on September 17. It is the day that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in 1787.
Constitution Day is observed on one day, September 17. However, it begins Constitution Week, which continues through September 23.
Constitution Day in India is celebrated on November 26. The day was chosen as part of year-long celebrations announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.
