Constitution Day
On September 17th of each year, institutions of learning throughout the United States will celebrate Constitution Day, the result of a federal amendment passed in 2004. American Student Assistance is your resource for information regarding this important scholastic celebration! Download the implementation guide (pdf, 594 KB) for comprehensive information about this educational opportunity.
This legislation that created Constitution Day was authored by Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia as a means of extending our knowledge of this cornerstone of American government. The legislation requires all educational institutions who are receiving federal aid to implement educational programs relating to the US Constitution on September 17th of each year. This date is the anniversary of the actual signing of the Constitution by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. To enable easier implementation on this date, provisions were included to allow the celebrations to occur on the week prior to or directly after the 17th, if the day falls on a weekend or holiday.
The US Constitution is one of the most important political documents in the world. From its famous Preamble “In order to form a more perfect union…” to its establishment of the three branches of government, to its groundbreaking amendments, it is the foundation of our rule of law, and assurance of liberty.
Constitution Day is a wonderful opportunity for schools around the country to explore many educational possibilities as you help fulfill this important federal requirement. To promote Constitutional awareness and understanding, there are many activities that can help:
- – Sponsor group debates and discussions about the separation of powers as described in the Constitution, using examples from history or current events that have focused on the “checks and balances” inherent in the division of powers.
- – Develop essay writing contests that focus on each of the Constitution’s signers, their biographies and descriptions of the states from which they came. Use the essays for oral reports and audio-visual presentations which older students can use for educating younger ones. In this same spirit, invite college age students to hold informative sessions for middle and high school students.
- – Use the days proceeding and following September 17th to focus on the many amendments to the Constitution. The Amendments, having been continually added to and repealed, are perhaps the most vital aspects to students today, since the amendment process can happen at any time. Encourage, through posters, video, teleconferences and webcasts the importance of vital amendments such as the 13th Amendment, ending the legality of slavery, the 15th amendment, allowing the right to vote to all men, regardless of race, and the 19th Amendment, creating the right to vote for women.
The following resources give you valuable tools to assist you in recognizing Constitution Day. From webcasts to blogging to panel discussions, you can find unlimited resources to help!
