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Most Americans know that July 4th is our nation's birthday. Far fewer Americans know that September 17th is the birthday of our government, the date in 1787 on which delegates to the Philadelphia Convention completed and signed the U.S. Constitution. The ideas on which America was founded--commitments to the rule of law, limited government and the ideals of liberty, equality and justice--are embodied in the Constitution, the oldest written constitution of any nation on Earth. Constitution Day is intended to celebrate not only the birthday of our government, but the ideas that make us Americans. |
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| Constitution Day Requirements | ||
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The U.S. Department of Education announced on May 24, 2005, that all local education agencies (LEAs) receiving federal funds, including NCLB and IDEA, must teach about the U.S. Constitution on September 17 of each year. Public Law 108-447, Section 111(b) states: "each educational institution that receives federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." Statute requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17 of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week. |
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| Constitution Day Resources | ||
| U.S. Constitution - U.S. Department of Education | ||
