Each Sept. 17, the U.S. observes Constitution and Citizenship Day,* commemorating the signing of the original document on the same day, 1787, in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.
“[The Constitution] is a unique document in that it indicated that the power in America comes from the people and is expressed by their elected Representatives,” says Andy McKean, Founder and President Emeritus of Liberty Day, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating Americans about the US Constitution. “There are checks and balances in our system of Government to prevent abuse of power. The system has worked well for almost 230 years.”
Swing by Jefferson County Public Library on Sept. 17 to pick up your FREE pocket-sized copy, while supplies last, of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence! Then, gear up for more Constitution Day-fun by taking a journey back to civics class and exploring our Nation's early history with us.
Start by turning up the Hamilton soundtrack. This inventive, hip-hop-charged soundtrack combines outstanding vocal performances with inspiring insight into our Nation's past. We bet you've never heard our Founding Fathers sound quite like this before!
Continue your quest to discover your favorite Founding Father. Brush up your knowledge on the delegates and signers to the Constitutional Convention, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison, through Biography In Context.
Explore even more about the people, places and events that helped shape our young nation with U.S. History In Context.
*Public Law 108-447 states, “Monday, September 17 is Constitution Day in the United States. Educational institutions and federal executive employees observe the day with some sort of edifying lesson, program or distributed materials about our Constitution. The Constitution Day observance was established in a section of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108-447.”
