Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. It is dedicated to all US citizens, as well as those who are taking steps to become U.S. citizens.
The idea for Constitution Day was originally conceived by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1939. And in 1940, Congress created “I Am an American Day,” which was celebrated the third Sunday in May.
In 1952, President Harry Truman signed into law “Citizenship Day,” which was established to replace “I am an American Day.” And in 1956, Congress requested that the president proclaim the entire week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week.” Finally in 2004, September 17 was designated as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.”
The History of the US Constitution
In the summer of 1787 delegates convened in Philadelphia to create “a more perfect union” and to craft the country’s constitution. The founding fathers worked to develop a framework which would provide both balance and freedom.
The delegates signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. And by June 1788, the Constitution was approved by nine of the 13 states.
For the past 228 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights as Americans.
CLICK HERE for a transcription of The Constitution of the United States.
Learn more at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
The Constitution Center brings the United States Constitution to. It also inspires active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition. Best of all, it’s the perfect opportunity to share a piece of exciting American History with kids of all ages!
As the Museum of We the People, the National Constitution Center features hundreds of interactive exhibits, engaging theatrical performances, and original documents of freedom. As America’s town hall, the National Constitution Center hosts constitutional debates across a range of broadcast and digital media platforms. As a national and international center for civic education, the Constitution Center offers cutting edge constitutional seminars, discussions, course materials, and interactive and digital resources.
For admission information including hours, directions and more, visit the National Constitutions Center.
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