Simone Lawson
September 17, 1787, marks the day the U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, defines the government and guarantees the rights of American citizens. Since 1952, Americans have celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognize those who have become U.S. citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th of September |
| Year it was declared Constitution Day | 2004 |
| Year it was designated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day | 1952 |
| Year it was designated Citizenship Day | 1940 |
| Number of signatories of the Constitution | 39 |
| Number of signatories who refused to sign | 3 |
| Number of proposed amendments to the Constitution | 11,000+ |
| Number of amendments signed into law | 27 |
| Number of pages in the Constitution | 4 |
| Number of words in the Constitution before amendments were added | 4,543 |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787
September 17, 1787, is a significant date in the history of the United States. On this day, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the US Constitution in Philadelphia. This four-page document, drafted in secret over the course of four months, established the government of the United States and replaced the Articles of Confederation. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of intense debates and clashes over issues of state sovereignty and the distribution of power between small and large states. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time on September 17, 1787, to sign the document they had created, shaping the future of the nation.
The US Constitution has been amended numerous times since its signing, with over 11,000 proposed amendments and only 27 signed into law. The selectiveness of the amendments underscores the importance and enduring relevance of the original document signed in 1787.
To commemorate this significant event, September 17th was declared Constitution Day in the United States. Constitution Day recognises the adoption of the US Constitution and celebrates the rights and liberties it guarantees for American citizens. The day serves as a reminder of the country's independence and sovereignty, established through the efforts of the Founding Fathers.
The journey towards establishing Constitution Day as a dedicated observance began in the early 20th century. Early celebrations were led by organisations such as the National Security League and the Sons of the American Revolution, who advocated for a national Constitution Day holiday. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day," which later evolved into Citizenship Day.
In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill renaming Citizenship Day to Constitution Day and moving the observed date to September 17. This date holds particular significance as it marks the day the US Constitution was signed. Constitution Day celebrations often include educational programs, family activities, parades, and demonstrations of patriotism.
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It was drafted by delegates to the Constitutional Convention
September 17th has been declared Constitution Day in recognition of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The Constitutional Convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777. However, it soon became clear that a new set of laws was needed.
The delegates to the convention, including notable figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, debated for four months over issues such as state sovereignty and the distribution of power. The final draft of the Constitution, a four-page document, was signed on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia. James Madison, later known as the "Father of our Constitution", was among the most influential delegates and his notes are a significant source of material on the Constitutional Convention.
The Constitution established a new form of government for the United States, and it has been amended over time to reflect the changing needs and values of the nation. The process of amending the Constitution is selective, with over 11,000 proposed amendments but only 27 signed into law since 1787. This reflects the importance and enduring relevance of the original document drafted by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
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The signing of the document created a new form of government
September 17th has been declared Constitution Day in recognition of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. This document, signed by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, established the government of the United States and created a new form of government.
The Continental Congress called for a national convention to meet in Philadelphia in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation, which had been adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, created a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. Over time, the limitations of this system became apparent. State governments, eager to maintain their power, were reluctant to support the Continental Congress, which struggled to raise funds, regulate trade, or conduct foreign policy without their agreement.
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention debated for four months, clashing over issues of state sovereignty and the distribution of power. They ultimately agreed to scrap the Articles of Confederation and create an entirely new form of government, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This new government addressed the basic issues of the structure of government, the basis of representation, and the regulation of interstate trade.
The signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, marked the establishment of this new form of government for the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation with a more robust and unified system. The Constitution has since been amended 27 times, reflecting the selectiveness of the laws and the importance of the original document.
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The day recognises those who have become US citizens
September 17th is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in the United States of America. The day was officially declared in 2004, but the history of the holiday goes back much further. Constitution Day recognises the signing of the US Constitution in 1787, which established the government of the United States. The document was signed by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, with only three refusing to sign as dissenters. The delegates debated over the course of four months in Philadelphia to put together the document, which spanned 4,543 words before amendments were added.
The day also recognises those who have become US citizens, either by birth or naturalisation. The idea of including those who have gained citizenship through naturalisation was first proposed in the 1930s by publisher William Randolph Hearst, who promoted the idea of a new holiday called "I Am an American Day". This was officially declared in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with the day observed on the third Sunday in May. In 1952, President Harry Truman renamed the event "Citizenship Day" and moved the observed date to September 17th.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a federal observance that usually falls during Constitution Week, which runs from September 17th to the 23rd. The day is intended to provide for "the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside". Schools and educational institutions across the country are encouraged to get involved by teaching students about the history of the Constitution and the importance of citizenship. Local communities often hold parades and demonstrations to celebrate the day, and there are also many public programs, family activities, and online resources available for those who want to learn more about the US Constitution.
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It is a day to celebrate the Founding Fathers and Freedom
September 17th has been declared Constitution Day in the United States of America to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and honour the Founding Fathers and the freedoms they secured. The day also recognises those who have become U.S. citizens, either by birth or naturalisation.
The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. These delegates, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, are celebrated as the Founding Fathers of the nation. The Constitution established the government of the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation and proposing a new form of government. It was the product of four months of debate, spanning 4,543 words before amendments were added.
The Founding Fathers secured freedoms and liberties for the citizens of the United States. James Madison, known as the "Father of our Constitution," was among the most influential delegates at the Constitutional Convention. His notes form the largest single source of materials for Farrand's Records, a collection in "A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875". The Constitution recognises the rights and responsibilities of citizens, as noted by President Harry Truman in his annual proclamation on Citizenship Day.
Constitution Day is an opportunity for Americans to celebrate their nation's history and honour the Founding Fathers. It is a day to reflect on the freedoms and liberties that have been secured, and to promote civic engagement and literacy through educational programs and initiatives. Early celebrations of Constitution Day date back to the early 20th century, with Iowa schools first recognising the day in 1911. The day was promoted by figures such as Calvin Coolidge and John D. Rockefeller, and later gained national recognition through the efforts of individuals like Olga T. Weber and Louise Leigh.
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Frequently asked questions
September 17th has been declared Constitution Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
The U.S. Constitution established the government of the United States and is a document that guides the nation's government.
39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Congress signed the U.S. Constitution, with only three refusing to sign as dissenters.
Constitution Week is celebrated from September 17 to September 23 to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution and recognize those who have become U.S. citizens.
