Isabella Carter
Constitution Day, celebrated annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The day recognizes the adoption of the foundational document, which established the framework of the US government and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens today. It is a federal observance that celebrates American citizenship and promotes civic literacy and engagement. The day also marks the beginning of Constitution Week, which continues through September 23.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th of September |
| Year | 1787 |
| Day of the week | Third Sunday |
| Occasion | Signing of the U.S. Constitution |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Number of signatories | 39 |
| Total proposed amendments | Over 11,000 |
| Amendments signed into law | 27 |
| Previous name | I Am an American Day |
| Current name | Constitution Day and Citizenship Day |
| Year of name change | 1952 |
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What You'll Learn
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004
The history of Constitution Day can be traced back to 1939 when newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst first advocated for a day to celebrate US citizenship. In 1940, Congress established "I Am an American Day" to be celebrated on the third Sunday in May. This was the first iteration of Constitution Day. On February 29, 1952, President Harry Truman signed into law "Citizenship Day," moving the observance date to September 17—the same day the Constitution was signed in 1787.
Over the years, there have been various efforts to recognize Constitution Day as a national holiday. In 1953, Olga T. Weber from Louisville, Ohio, petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day in honor of the creation of the US Constitution. Her request was signed into law by the Ohio state government, and she later took her case to the United States Senate, which designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week.
In 1997, Louise Leigh started a grassroots campaign to have Congress recognize Constitution Day as a national holiday due to concerns about a general lack of constitutional literacy. Constitution Day finally became a national observance in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Byrd to the omnibus spending bill of 2004. This amendment, known as the Constitution Day clause, mandates the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funds, as well as in federal agencies.
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The US Constitution was signed in Philadelphia
The US Constitution, the most influential document in American history, was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. This document established the framework of the US government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today. The Constitution was signed by thirty-nine courageous men who changed the course of history. Every American shares in this legacy of liberty and has the responsibility as a citizen to respect and defend the values of the Founding Fathers.
The Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was initially intended to revise the Articles of Confederation and devise the first system of federal government. However, leading proponents of the Convention, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, sought to create a new form of republican government to replace the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation. George Washington, former commanding general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, was elected to serve as President of the Convention.
The Convention featured many great minds of the day, including James Madison, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, and, for a while, Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and John Hancock were among those absent. The delegates debated and ratified the Constitution, making the Convention one of the most significant events in American history. The Convention took place in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia.
The Constitution's first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III). The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation on March 4, 1789, becoming the supreme law of the United States of America.
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39 delegates signed the US Constitution
Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17, commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. The document, which established the framework of the US government and the rights and freedoms of its citizens, was signed by 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May to September 1787. The delegates, representing 12 states (all but Rhode Island, which declined to send delegates), debated and revised the Articles of Confederation, which had established the first national government. However, it was recognised that the Articles needed significant revisions, particularly regarding the empowerment of the central government. The convention was presided over by George Washington, and the youngest delegate was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton, while the oldest was 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin.
The resulting document, the US Constitution, expanded the power of the central government while protecting the prerogatives of the states. It established a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Of the 39 delegates who signed, virtually all had taken part in the American Revolution, seven had signed the Declaration of Independence, and 30 had served on active military duty.
The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a four-month-long process, and the document was created by delegates representing a cross-section of 18th-century American leadership, with experience in local, colonial, and state governments. The signatures were placed in two columns, and the endorsement included a brief declaration that the delegates' work had been successfully completed and that those who signed subscribed to the final document.
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004 when Congress passed a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the Constitution and learn more about the founding document. The day is also known as Citizenship Day and is an opportunity for Americans to remember the blessings of liberty and recognise their responsibilities as citizens.
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The US Constitution established the government of the United States
Constitution Day, celebrated annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. This document established the government of the United States and is considered the most influential document in American history.
The US Constitution is a four-page document, drafted in secret during the summer of 1787. It was signed by 39 individuals, known as the Founding Fathers, who changed the course of history. The opening words of the Constitution are "We the People", representing the idea that the people, not the states, are the source of the government's legitimacy. This phrase was coined by Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, who felt it was an improvement on simply listing the 13 states.
The Constitution consists of seven articles that define the basic framework of the federal government. The first three articles embody the separation of powers, dividing the government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III). The remaining articles outline concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, their relationship to the federal government, and the process of constitutional amendment.
Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004 when Congress passed a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the Constitution and learn about their rights as outlined in this foundational document. The day also recognizes those who have become US citizens. It is an opportunity for Americans to remember the blessings of liberty and the responsibilities of citizenship that they hold.
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Constitution Day is also known as Citizenship Day
Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This document established the framework of the U.S. government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today. It is an American federal observance that recognises the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.
The idea of a Citizenship Day was first proposed in 1939 by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who advocated for a day to celebrate US citizenship. In 1940, Congress designated the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day". This day was promoted through the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and featured a 16-minute film called "I Am an American". By 1949, governors of all 48 states had issued Constitution Day proclamations.
On February 29, 1952, Congress moved "I Am an American Day" to September 17 and renamed it "Citizenship Day". Louisville, Ohio, played a significant role in the establishment of this holiday. In 1952, resident Olga T. Weber petitioned municipal officials to establish Constitution Day in honour of the creation of the US Constitution in 1787. Her request was signed into law, and Louisville was later declared "Constitution Town".
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17 because, on that day in 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia.
The Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Congress, with only three refusing to sign as dissenters.
The Constitution established the framework of the United States government and the rights and freedoms that "We the People" enjoy today.
