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Constitution Day is September 17

In 2004, Congress declared September 17 in Public Law 108-447 as a day to memorialize the Constitution. The Constitution of the United States was ratified on September 17, 1787. Originally, this day was called Citizenship Day. This act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide some sort of programming on this day. Any school that is not in compliance risks losing their federal funding. Of course the government doesn't provide any funding to schools to "celebrate" this event.

Origins of Our Constitution

Much of the Constitution came from the Five Nations Constitution, a document created by a group of eastern American Indian tribes called the Iroquois. The original five nations included the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Later, when the Tuscaroras Nation joined the Iroquois, they called it the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. The estimated date of the creation of the document is August 31, 1142 and was approved in what is now a football field in Victor, New York.[1] The Senecas, the last of the five nations to ratify the confederacy, called the area Gonandaga.[2] Today this site is called Gonandagan State Historic Site. The Iroquois Nation (or the Haudenosaunee as some call them) was the most instrumental in influencing our Constitution.

Image created by Ken Rohrer © 2018

Benjamin Franklin admired the confederacy of the Indian tribes and first mentioned them in 1751. The bundle of 13 arrows that are clutched by the Bald Eagle on the Great Seal of the United States of American money is a testament to the Iroquois Great Law of Peace. At one point, Charles Thomas, the designer of the Great Seal of the United States of America, considered reducing the number of arrows to six, representing the Six Nations (The Iroquois and the five eastern Indian tribes). Congress overruled him and came up with 13 to represent the former colonies.

On June 11, 1776, the Iroquois chiefs were invited to the Continental Congress. They spoke of their confederacy and the hope that the new Americans would "act as one people and have but one heart."[3] (Of course we now know that their speech failed miserably as most of the Indian nations were wiped out in the 1800's.) After their speech, one of the chiefs gave John Hancock the Indian name, Karanduawn, or the Great Tree.

History of the Constitution

42 of 55 delegates held a meeting (convention) on September 17, 1787 to sign the Constitution. Up to that point, they held their meetings almost daily at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. George Washington was the president of the Constitutional Convention. After the signing, they sent copies to all the states for ratification. Nine states approved the Constitution on June 21, 1788. The Constitution is only four pages long and is hand-written.

A few facts: Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old at the signing. The youngest was Jonathan Dayton at 26. The Constitution is the world's oldest written constitution (If you don't count the Iroquois document). It took some delegates months to arrive at the convention. There was no public transportation or automobiles then. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution while Rhode Island was last. North Carolina initially voted against it.

The Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States , painted by Howard Chandler Christy in 1940.

One of the issues to be resolved before the signing was representation from states versus population. We saw this become a controversy with the 2000 elections. Although the popular vote in some cases went to Al Gore, the delegates went to George Bush. Even then, the slave issue was a problem for both the northern and southern states. The compromise was that slave trade could continue until 1808. Slaves could be counted as 3/5ths of a person for representation.

Bill of Rights:

The Bill of Rights became law on December 15, 1791, three years after nine states approved the Constitution. The Bill of Rights included 10 amendments and was created because of the high level of interest regarding individual freedoms during the Constitutional Convention. 17 additional amendments have been passed since the original document became law. The most recent amendment was ratified on May 2, 1992.

It is more important than ever for teachers to cover the constitution. At no other time in history have we seen the constitution threatened as it is now. If our students are ignorant about our history, how can we save it?

What's in the Document?

The Constitution includes seven articles and 27 amendments. [Download the entire text of the constitution in PDF form here ] Here is a short summary of each article and amendment:

Article 1: This article established the first of the three branches of the government, the legislature. They called it Congress and divided it into two parts, the House of Representations and Senate. The founders wanted to divide power so that one person or entity would not control government. The article goes on to explain how legislators are elected, how bills are created, the number of senators, veto procedures, and the vice president as leader of the senate.

A very important part of this article says that Congress has, "the power to establish and maintain an army and navy, to establish post offices, to create courts, to regulate commerce between the states, to declare war, and to raise money. It also includes a clause known as the Elastic Clause which allows it to pass any law necessary for the carrying out of the previously listed powers." [4]

Article 2: This article establishes the second of three branches of government, the executive branch. They called the executive branch the president and vice president. Interestingly enough, originally the person with the most votes was president and the person with the second highest votes was vice president. If this was true in 2010, our vice president would have been John McCain.

The article goes on to explain the requirements for the office as well as powers. An important part of the article says the president is "commander-in-chief of the armed forces and of the militia (National Guard) of all the states; he has a Cabinet to aid him, and can pardon criminals. He makes treaties with other nations, and picks many of the judges and other members of the government (all with the approval of the Senate).[5]

Article 3: This article establishes the third of three branches of government, the judiciary. It mentions that the highest court in the country is the supreme court and that supreme court justices may serve as long a they are on "good behavior." It goes on to explain the appeals process as well as the fact everyone is guaranteed a jury trial if they desire.

Article 4: This article states that all states must honor the laws of other states. If a couple is married in Florida, they are also married in all other states. The article states that all citizens must be treated equally and fairly. It deals with fugitives from justice being returned to the state they fled from. This article ensures a republican form of government. An important section of this article states that "the state derives its power from the people, (not from a king or gentry) and guarantees that the federal government will protect the states against invasion and insurrection."

Article 5: This article explains how to add to or change the constitution.

Article 6: This article states that the constitution is the supreme law of the country. It requires all officers of the government to swear an allegiance to the United States and the constitution.

Article 7: This article explains how the constitution would be ratified. Nine states had to ratify the constitution before it could go into effect.

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Amendments

Amendment 1: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment 2: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment 3: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment 5: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment 6: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

Amendment 7: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment 8: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment 9: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment 10: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. This was the last amendment in the Bill of Rights. The following amendments were added later.

Amendment 11: The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

Amendment 12: Discusses how we vote for president and vice president. See here for details.

Amendment 13: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Amendment 14: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. You can find further text of this amendment here.

Amendment 15: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Amendment 16: The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Amendment 17: This amendment explains the composition of senators and term limits. See here for full amendment.

Amendment 18: (Prohibition) After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Amendment 19: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Amendment 20: This amendment explains the presidential and congressional terms. See this link for more information.

Amendment 21: (Prohibition repealed) The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.

Amendment 22: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.

Amendment 23: Grants the District of Columbia the right to three electors in Presidential elections. See this link for more.

Amendment 24: The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

Amendment 25: This amendment lists the procedures in the event the president is disabled or dies. See this link for more details.

Amendment 26: The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Amendment 27: No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

Books Relating to the Constitution

The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation - Collected here in one affordable volume are the most important documents of the United States of America: The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation. These three documents are the basis for our entire way of life. Every citizen should have a copy.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the U.S. Constitution - One of the most revered, imitated, and controversial government documents in the world, the U.S. Constitution serves as the foundation for the American government and shapes the lives of Americans every day. But how many know its history and the impact it’s had on American laws and practices throughout history? This guide serves as the most current and accessible handbook to this all-important document.

Who Killed the Constitution? - Many government officials long ago rejected the idea that the Constitution possesses a fixed meaning limiting the U.S. government’s power. Going right to the scenes of the crimes, the authors dissect twelve of the most egregious assaults on the Constitution.

Constitution Day Art Lessons Described by Teachers

Posted by Renee G
My kindergarten, first, and second grade students are doing red, white, and blue collages (torn paper for K & 1st, cut paper for 2nd). For introductions to the art activity K's will talk about the patterns in the flag, firsts are having a read aloud (I Pledge Allegiance Big Book by Bill Martin, Jr. - illustrated with torn paper collages), Kindergarteners will tear yellow stars (already traced for them), 1st graders will trace and tear stars, 2nd graders will cut their own free-form stars.

Posted by Ken Rohrer
Because the Constitution originated with the Iroquois, why not create Iroquois Masks (Archive), sculptures, or other Indian art. [NOTE: Many Iroquois consider the image of these masks as sacred and should not be created by non-members of their society. See their statement. Also see the description.] One can study the paintings of John Trumbull (especially the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and of Howard Chandler Christy (The Signing of the Constitution). Students could have a calligraphy lesson after viewing the calligraphy of the Constitution (Archive). The architecture of Independence Hall could be studied. Students could sculpt the building using anything from cans (Archive) to sewing redwork designs. The architects, Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley could be studied along with their other designs. Finally, students can take a virtual tour of the architecture of Independence Hall using Google Street View.

Posted by Walter F.
This year my teachers went all out! They even had students dress up and then during lunch they had a contest for best dressed along with a competition of who could recite the Constitution--needless to say everyone was late for fifth period, but the students, parents and teachers had a great time. In talking with the teachers throughout the last two weeks about Constitution day we all were surprised at the lack of knowledge that our 6th and 7th graders had on the Constitution. I hope that from the activities in and outside of the classroom that our students learned how important the Constitution is.

Posted by Melanie H.
We have been celebrating the Constitution all week. On morning announcements we have had groups of students reciting the Preamble everyday, the music teachers have done patriotic songs, I read the play "Shh! We're Writing the Constitution" with the older students in Drama. It helps that we have a Social Studies curriculum who made sure Constitution Day was on the master calendar and arranged for the readings on the morning announcements.

Poster Contest

All Kindergarten-12th grade students are invited to participate in the Constitution Day Poster Contest. Entrants must create a poster that demonstrates how the freedoms embodied in the U.S. Constitution affect their daily lives. Entries will be judged on both artistic merit and relevance to the U.S. Constitution. Entries must be post-marked or uploaded by October 1 each year. For more information, visit www.ConstitutionFacts.com.

Constitution Classroom Resources

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution by Howard Chandler Christy (Poster)

U.S. Constitution (First Page) Art Print

Oh the U.S. Constitution! - This is an mp3 song about the U.S. Constitution. Geared to elementary level.

Constitution Day Resources - By the Thomas Library of Congress.

DVD: The United States Bill of Rights and Constitutional Amendments/ The Constitution - This is a 2-DVD set teachers and parents alike can use to make the Constitution accessible on many levels. The program is targeted for ages 10 to 16 and is divided into sections corresponding to the articles of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

DVD: A DVD History of the US Constitution - If you want to view all the details about the history of the Constitution, this 4-DVD package covers not only the creation and signing but later history. This is geared to high school and adult.

Founding Fathers Quotes - (Archive) For those who homeschool or teach in private schools, this is a PDF document that includes quotes from our founding fathers that illustrate their strong faith such as the one below:

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --John Adams, October 11, 1798

[ Origins | History | Amendments | Art Lessons | Resources | Activities | Art | Links ]

Constitution Day Activities and Art Lessons

• American Pride - A lesson on IAD for the middle school level.

• American Revolution Dioramas - An art lesson for 4th grade

• Constitution Day General lessons - There are many lessons across subject areas.

• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day - With K-12 lessons for various subject matter.

• Constitution Day Resources - With activities and games from the Bill of Rights Institute.

• IAD's Mask Making lesson page - This can be used when you're covering the Iroquois history of Constitution.

• IAD's Patriotic Themes in Art

• Learn NC - An art lesson and activities page for "We the People."

• U.S. Constitution Workshop - A great page with lessons, standards, historical documents and information by the National Archives.

Constitution Day Art

• IAD's Patriotic Art Page - With artists, resources, and information.

• U.S. Senate Art & History Home - See art, history, and art related publications.

Constitution Day Links

• American Art: History and Culture - A book that includes Edmund Woolley's design for Independence Hall

• Ben's Guide to the Constitution- Information related to students in various levels.

• Bill of Rights - Text from the Bill of Rights by Yale Law School.

• Constitution Day - The official Constitution Day page by The National Constitution Center.

• Constitution Day - A nicely designed site by constitutionday.com.

• Constitution Day Facts - They offer a free pocket size Constitution book and a poster design contest.

• Constitution Day Quiz - Take the quiz and see how much you know. The rest of the site also has great information.

• Constitution Day Wiki - (Archive) Wikispaces hosts a page where everyone can contribute.

• Constitution Day Online Resources [Archive] - A page by the Nevada Department of Education.

• Information on the history of Constitution Day

• The National Archives Constitution page - This is a beautiful page with high resolution scans of the document.

• National Endowment for the Humanities - This is their Constitution Day page.

• The Native Peoples of North America- A book that tells of the influence of the Iroquois on our Constitution. At the time of the adding of this link, the book was online for free viewing.

• Teaching With Documents: Observing Constitution Day - A page by the National Archives

• The Six Nation Iroquois - A great site that gives the early history of the origins of our Constitution.

• University of Phoenix's Constitution Day page - Test your knowledge of the Constitution.

• U.S. Constitution Day Online - A page with many resources and link.

• USIQ - A fun game and quiz on the Constitution. Teachers can create their own quizzes.

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