.svg)
Celebrate the ratification of the United States Constitution on Constitution Day, Sept. 17! This important day marks the signing of our nation’s founding document in 1787 and honors one of America’s most significant achievements. It's a great opportunity to learn more about our country's history and recognize how far it has come since those early days when it was just forming as a new nation.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1787</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Constitution Signing</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Constitution Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Sons of the American Revolution forms a committee to promote "Constitution Day", marking the Constitution's 130th anniversary.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of "I am an American Day"</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congressman named Carl McGee proposes the day be renamed "I am an American Day" to celebrate citizenship as well as the Constitution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"I am an American Day" Renamed</div><div class='timeline-text'>"I am an American Day" observance is renamed "Constitution Day" and moved to September 17th.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Mandate Enacted</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress establishes a federal mandate that all public schools and federal agencies provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on Constitution Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read the Constitution</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take time to sit down and read through the Constitution of the United States. It is a great way to learn about our founding document and gain a better understanding of our nation's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit your local government building</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to City Hall, County Court House, or your State Capitol building. It is a great reminder of the importance of the Constitution and the role it plays in our everyday lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Constitution Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your local community together and organize a parade celebrating the Constitution. Invite your neighbors, friends and family to join in on the celebration with floats, music and red, white and blue regalia.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Screen an educational film</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Grab some popcorn and invite your friends over for an educational movie night. Choose a movie about the Constitution such as "1776" or "Amendment XXV: The Movie" for an entertaining way to learn about our nation's founding document.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Throw a festive celebration at home with tasty food, drinks, music, decorations and games that highlight the importance of the Constitution. Invite your friends and family over for a fun evening celebrating democracy.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates our founding principles</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Constitution Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the foundations of American democracy. It's a reminder of the incredible work done by our Founding Fathers, and allows us to pay tribute to their efforts in crafting such a vibrant and enduring document.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It represents the evolution of our nation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Throughout history, amendments have been made to our Constitution to acknowledge and protect civil liberties. Celebrating Constitution Day gives us the opportunity to recognize these changes, as well as to honor those who fought for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps us understand our rights and responsibilities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Learning about what the Constitution has to say about rights like freedom of speech and assembly can help us better understand and appreciate our individual rights, as well as our obligations to uphold those rights for others. Taking time out of each year to reflect on these concepts is incredibly important!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Constitution is the Oldest Written National Constitution Still in Use</h3><p class='facts-description'>The U.S. Constitution, which was signed and adopted in 1787, is currently the oldest written national constitution that is still in use. It demonstrates the resiliency and applicability of this guiding document to our continually evolving society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents who signed the Constitution</h3><p class='facts-description'>Among the signatories of 39, only George Washington and James Madison later served as President of the United States. While Washington presided over the convention, Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his key role in drafting and promoting the document.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There have been more than 11,000 Attempts to Amend the Constitution</h3><p class='facts-description'>Since the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, there have been more than 11,000 proposed amendments submitted to Congress. However, only 27 amendments have been ratified and made it into the Constitution, highlighting the rigorous process involved in amendment adoption.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The U.S. Constitution is Remarkably Brief</h3><p class='facts-description'>The United States' main governing document contains just 4,543 words, including signatures and is currently the shortest of any of the world's constitutions. Its brevity and broadly defined phrases have allowed it to be interpreted and applied according to the times.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Constitution was Prepared in Secret</h3><p class='facts-description'>During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the creators made the controversial decision to hold sessions behind closed doors in an effort to allow free exchange of ideas away from the public scrutiny and pressure.</p></div></div>
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17 every year. In 2024 Constitution Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Sep 17
Sunday
2024
Sep 17
Tuesday
2025
Sep 17
Wednesday
2026
Sep 17
Thursday
2027
Sep 17
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
