September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.

 

The late Senator Robert C. Byrd, a former West Virginia Democrat and Congress’ unofficial Constitutional scholar, believed that American primary, secondary and post-secondary students lack significant knowledge regarding the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Byrd proposed an amendment that was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate with the purpose to increase student knowledge about the Constitution.

 

Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year is required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students on September 17 (if it falls on a weekend; it should be held in the previous or next week.

 

Columbia College holds events each year to commemorate Constitution Day.

 

Some resources pertaining to the Constitution are listed below:

  • National Archives – Constitution Day activities and Materials can be found here and here
  • The Library of Congress – information can be found here 
  • The National Endowment – information can be found here