Constitution Day (United States)

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Constitution Day (United States) is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. As a pivotal moment in American history, Constitution Day is a testament to the innovation, foresight, and compromise that characterized the founding of the American republic.

History

The origins of Constitution Day date back to the early 20th century. In 1917, the Sons of the American Revolution formed a committee to promote Constitution Day. The efforts of this committee led to the establishment of "I am an American Day," observed on the third Sunday in September, starting in 1940. It was designated by Congress in response to the efforts of William Randolph Hearst and was intended to recognize those who had become American citizens within the past year. In 1952, Congress moved the observance to September 17 and renamed it "Citizenship Day."

A significant expansion of this observance came in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd, an advocate for the teaching of American history and civics, introduced an amendment that was passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005. This amendment renamed the holiday to "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," and it required public schools and governmental offices to provide educational programs on the history of the American Constitution on that day.

Observance

On Constitution Day, educational institutions and federal agencies are required to hold programs about the U.S. Constitution. Schools that receive federal funding are mandated to teach students about the Constitution. The day is not a public holiday; businesses and government offices remain open.

Many organizations, including the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, hold events and workshops to commemorate this day. Activities often include reading the Constitution, educational seminars, and discussions on the importance of the document and its relevance today.

Significance

The United States Constitution is a landmark legal document that established the framework of the federal government and outlined the rights and freedoms of American citizens. It is the oldest written national constitution still in use and has influenced the constitutions of numerous other nations. Constitution Day not only celebrates the signing of the Constitution but also encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the role of the Constitution in their lives.

See Also

• United States Constitution
• Founding Fathers of the United States
• History of the United States Constitution
• Bill of Rights
• Amendments to the United States Constitution