Isabella Carter
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, the day in 1787 when 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. The day is also used to recognize people who are taking steps to become U.S. citizens. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are celebrated together, though they originated as separate holidays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th September |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Purpose | To commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and to recognize those who have become U.S. citizens |
| History | Constitution Day and Citizenship Day were originally separate holidays; they were combined in 2004 |
| Observers | Schools, government agencies, federal courts, communities |
| Activities | Educational programs, naturalization ceremonies, classroom activities, public programs, family activities |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are federally recognised celebrations
- The day is observed on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution
- The day is also known as 'I Am an American Day'
- The day promotes civic literacy and engagement
- Schools and government agencies are involved in the celebrations
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are federally recognised celebrations
The celebrations honour the adoption of the Constitution and recognise those who have become US citizens. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the significance of being a US citizen. The day also acknowledges individuals taking steps towards becoming citizens.
The history of these celebrations dates back to the early 20th century, with early Constitution Day observances by fraternal organisations like the National Security League. In 1911, Iowa schools first recognised Constitution Day, and in 1917, a committee formed by the Sons of the American Revolution promoted the day, including notable members such as Calvin Coolidge and John D. Rockefeller.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day", a holiday promoting citizenship. This day was inspired by publisher William Randolph Hearst, who advocated for a holiday honouring those who attained citizenship. In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday "Citizenship Day" and moved it to September 17, combining it with Constitution Day.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are marked by educational programs, naturalisation ceremonies, and civic engagement initiatives. Federal courts, schools, and government agencies participate by offering resources and experiences to promote understanding and appreciation of the Constitution and the duties and privileges of citizenship.
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The day is observed on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognises the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become US citizens. It is observed annually on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1787.
The history of Constitution Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with early celebrations observed by fraternal organisations such as the National Security League. In 1911, Iowa schools first recognised Constitution Day, and in 1917, a committee formed by the Sons of the American Revolution promoted the day, including prominent members such as Calvin Coolidge and John D. Rockefeller.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day", a celebration inspired by publisher William Randolph Hearst's newspapers, which covered several local observances. This day was meant to honour those who had attained US citizenship and to promote patriotism during World War II.
In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday to "Citizenship Day" and moved it to September 17, citing the need to educate citizens about their duties and privileges, and to distance it from other patriotic holidays. In 1956, Congress established Constitution Week to begin annually on Citizenship Day, further emphasising the connection between the two concepts.
In 2004, Senator Robert Byrd sponsored legislation that officially combined Constitution Day and Citizenship Day into a single observance on September 17. This amendment also mandated that educational institutions and federal agencies provide educational programming on the history of the Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are marked by various traditions and educational initiatives. Reciting the Preamble to the Constitution in unison has become a common tradition. Schools, government agencies, and federal courts participate by offering educational resources and activities to engage students in learning about the Constitution and the importance of civic engagement. Naturalisation ceremonies are also held across the country, welcoming new citizens and emphasising the value of US citizenship.
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The day is also known as 'I Am an American Day'
The day is also known as "I Am an American Day" because, in 1939, a song titled "I Am an American" was introduced on NBC, Mutual, and ABC radio. The song was composed for the New York World's Fair, and its introduction led to the creation of "I Am an American Day" at the fair that same year.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming the celebration of "I Am an American Day". The day was originally meant to be celebrated on the third Sunday in May of each year as Citizenship Day. The purpose of this Act was to recognize those who had attained the status of citizenship, either by coming of age or through naturalization. The day was also meant to encourage Americans to understand the form and genius of their Government and the responsibilities of citizenship.
In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday to Citizenship Day and moved it to September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The modern Constitution Day came into being in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd sponsored legislation designating September 17 as Constitution Day. It was combined with Citizenship Day, and the day became a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.
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The day promotes civic literacy and engagement
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognises the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become US citizens. It is usually observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
USCIS also offers educational materials to help learners and teachers understand the United States and prepare for the naturalisation process. They provide practice tests, videos, and downloadable supplementary materials to help students prepare for the naturalisation interview.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day also encourage candid conversations about the Constitution using civil discourse skills. Students can participate in activities like "Civil Discourse and the Constitution: Candid Conversations" to learn and practice civility and decision-making skills. These conversations can be stimulated by discussing the preamble, which sets the stage for the Constitution and communicates the intentions of its framers.
Naturalisation ceremonies are an important aspect of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. These public events bring together communities, schools, and new citizens in federal courthouses and other community sites. Students who attend these ceremonies can gain a real-life experience of civic engagement and better understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
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Schools and government agencies are involved in the celebrations
Schools and government agencies are actively involved in the celebrations of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The day is a federally recognized celebration that commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens. It is usually observed on September 17, the day the Constitution was signed in 1787.
Schools and educational institutions play a crucial role in Constitution Day celebrations. Any school that receives federal funding is mandated by law to provide educational programming and hold Constitution Day training on or around September 17. This includes hosting educational programs, workshops, and classroom activities that engage students in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For example, schools may organize civil discourse activities where students have candid conversations with federal judges and lawyers, practicing their decision-making skills. Schools may also encourage students to participate in naturalization ceremonies, which are public events that welcome new American citizens and foster a sense of civic engagement.
Additionally, schools can make use of various resources provided by the government to plan their Constitution Day programs. The U.S. Department of Education offers links to websites with materials that can be used as teaching resources in the classroom. These resources are created in collaboration with the three branches of government and are designed to assist educators in planning engaging and informative lessons for their students.
Government agencies, including federal and state agencies, also participate in the celebrations. Agencies that receive federal funding are required to provide training for their employees. They may organize interactive workshops, trivia games, guest speakers, creative projects, and educational films to make the day informative and enjoyable for their staff. Government officials are encouraged to conduct ceremonies and programs that bring community members together to reflect on the importance of active citizenship and the strengths of the Constitution.
The celebrations of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are a collaborative effort between schools, government agencies, and communities. By providing educational programs and resources, these institutions ensure that Americans understand the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a combined event that celebrates the adoption of the United States Constitution and recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day became a combined event in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd added language to an omnibus bill passed by Congress.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are celebrated on September 17, the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. When September 17 falls on a weekend, the celebrations are held on an adjacent weekday.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen. It is also a day to recognize people who are taking steps to become U.S. citizens.
