Constitution Day - September 17

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed. Constitution Day became a national observance in 2004, when Senator Robert Byrd lobbied for a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and learn more about our founding document.  This clause mandates the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funds, as well as federal agencies.

We know that all people did not have a seat at the table when the Constitution was originally signed on September 17, 1787, and the rights and protections espoused therein were not extended to everyone in the new nation.  In fact, the Constitution was specifically designed to protect slavery and disenfranchise many groups.  Use this day to learn more about the Constitution and to discuss how our country has, or has not, lived up to the founding ideals expressed in our founding document.  Who wrote and ratified the Constitution?  Who benefited the most (and least) from its ratification?  How have people struggled throughout our history to expand equity and the democratic ideals found within the U.S. Constitution?