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?
6th Grade:
Development of the Constitution Slide Deck Spanish (Lesson Plan)
Civic Education: Constitution Day
What Basic Ideas About Government Are Included in the Preamble to the Constitution?
7-8 Grades:
Constitution Day Hub (Lesson Plans by Grade Level)
What is the Federal System Created by the Constitution?
The Constitution: Rules for Running a Country WebQuest (iCivics)
Constitution Day Hub (Lesson Plans by Grade Level)
Constitution Day Scavenger Hunt with 60-Second Civics
To Amend or Not to Amend, That's Been the Question... Many Times.
How was the Constitution USed to Organize the New Government?
Abraham Lincoln and the U.S. Constitution
Citizenship and the U.S. Constitution
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
...and more!
Race, Class, and the Constitutional Convention by Bill Bigelow
“Founding” Documents We Don’t Learn About by Mimi Eisen
“We the People”: Whose Rights Does the Constitution Protect? by Jesse Hagopian
A New U.S. Bill of Rights by Larry Miller
Constitution and Citizenship Day is September 17th
· Each year on September 17, our nation comes together to celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day.
· Pursuant to federal law (Public Law 108-447, Section 111), all educational institutions receiving federal funds are required to hold an educational program about the United States Constitution on September 17, known nationally as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
· The Department has developed a memo that includes resources and activities designed to support educators in teaching about the United States Constitution.
· For questions regarding Constitution and Citizenship Day, please contact the Office of Standards and Instruction at P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov or 518-474-5922.
2025 Bill of Rights Institute: