What Does Constitution Day Celebrate?

What does Constitution Day commemorate?

Constitution Day is a national holiday commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution by 39 delegates at a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Since then, it has become the cornerstone of our government and culture. Also known as Citizenship Day, this day is observed annually on September 17th.

In 1787, the United States Constitution was written and then ratified by nine states to officially form a national government. This set of laws sets forth the foundations of American democracy today; they remain in effect today.

When does the Constitution go into effect?

The Constitution was written in 1787, though it only officially took effect when nine states ratified it on September 17th. Ratification required three-fourths of all states to approve any proposed amendment to be valid, so this process took some time before becoming law.

What was the Constitution like when it was written?

The Constitution sets forth the role of each branch of federal government, how elections are conducted and many other details. It has evolved over time but continues to shape our daily lives today.

What did the delegates to the Constitutional Convention envision for its design?

At the convention, several proposals were put forward, including two competing plans for creating a new legislative framework. One plan called for representation based on population while the other guaranteed equal representation to all states. After much deliberation and compromise was reached between these two plans – known as “The Great Compromise” – an arrangement was struck that combined elements from both and remains in use today.

What does the Constitution teach us?

The US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, vote rights and more. It also outlines the responsibilities of Presidents and other government officials as well as providing a system for changing laws.

What were the thoughts of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention about America’s future?

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention recognized that America would continue to develop as a nation, so they sought to make sure their documents were flexible enough for adaptation. Furthermore, any modifications required ratification by a majority of states.

In 1939, New York City news tycoon William Randolph Hearst proposed the creation of a holiday to honor America’s heritage. Congress eventually agreed and in 1940 set aside “I Am An American Day,” observed on the third Sunday in May each year. In 1952 however, Olga T. Weber of Louisville petitioned city leaders to change this date to Constitution Day; ultimately their request was granted.

Since 2004, the federal government has recognized Constitution Day as an opportunity for educational programming across all schools receiving federal funds to celebrate this important document and its history, as well as how to utilize it in daily living. This law also calls on students to gain knowledge of both the significance of our founding document, its historical context, and how it affects them individually.