"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

--Preamble to the United States Constitution

Observed formally on September 17th, Constitution Day marks the day in 1787 when thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, then capitol, signed the document into law. Also known as Citizenship Day, it is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the supreme laws of our land, including its history and scope, and to recognize all persons, who either by age or naturalization, have become American citizens. Originally comprising seven articles, the United States Constitution describes the national frame of government and has been interpreted, amended, supplemented by the Bill of Rights, implemented, and influenced democracy in countries worldwide. Many publicly funded institutions and organizations, including schools and libraries, provide educational programming to honor Constitution Day, while individuals also commemorate the holiday through various activities -- parades, flag displays, and interactive online resources.

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.

• Constitution Day. (1926, Sep 17). The Washington Post (1923-1954)

• This Is Constitution Day. (1928, Sep 17). The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945)

• September 17 Proclaimed As Constitution Day: Roosevelt Urges Study Of 'Charter Of American Ideals'. (1932, Sep 11). New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962)

• Constitution Day Programs Held All Over United States: Civic Observances, Radio Addresses and Proclamations Of Governors Stress Closer Study Of 'Fundamental Law Of the Land'. (1932, Sep 17). The Christian Science Monitor (1908-)

• Nettleton, T. (1937, May 26). 1787--The Constitution--1937: Arrival Of Delegates To Federation Convention Results In Quorum Constitution Day-By-Day History. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-)

• Shientag, B.L. (1947, Sep 17). Observing Constitution Day: Document's Significance Emphasized. New York Times (1923-)

• Kahn, C. J. K., & Mich, E.A.W. (1964, Sep 17). The Reader Writes: Constitution Day. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-)

• Bruning, F. (1987, Feb 15). Selling the Celebration: To Cerebrate Or Celebrate? Constitution Panel Hopes For Bicentennial That Does Justice To All. Newsday (1940-)

• DeBenedictis, N. (1987, Oct 16). What Did 'We The People' mean? Philadelphia Tribune (1912-2001)

• Stevens, W.K.(1987, Jan 04). Constitution At 200: Pomp and Pondering: The Constitution At 200: Much Pageantry and Pondering Expected. New York Times (1923-)



Tips:

• Breyer, Stephen G., and Sandra Day O’Connor. Our Constitution : A Conversation. Philadelphia: Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, 2005. Film

• Celebrating Constitution Day. National Archives News. National Archives. Includes teaching and learning resources, videos, articles and blogs, and more.

• Miracle, Amanda et al. “Contested Rights: The Pedagogy and Logistics of Hosting Constitution Day.” The Social Studies 107.5 (2016): 153–159.

• Wilson, Bradford P. “Constitution Day.” Academic Questions 20.1 (2007): 22–31.

Images:

• Constitution, Courtesy of Pixabay

• Special News Slide, Courtesy of Gottesman Libraries

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