National Constitution Day
National Constitution Day is a federal observance that commemorates the adoption and signing of the United States Constitution. It recognizes both the historical significance of the Constitution and celebrates those who have become U.S. citizens.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 17 annually
Tagged as: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
What’s the hashtag?: #ConstitutionDay
When was it founded?: 2004
Who founded it?: Senator Robert Byrd
History of Constitution Day
Initially celebrated as “I Am an American Day” in 1940, the holiday was later renamed to “Constitution Day” in 2004. The day marks when 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
Timeline
- 1787: Constitution signed in Philadelphia
- 1940: Established as “I Am an American Day”
- 1952: Renamed “Citizenship Day”
- 2004: Officially designated as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day”
- 2015: Mandatory constitutional education requirement added
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 17 | Wed |
| 2026 | September 17 | Thu |
| 2027 | September 17 | Fri |
| 2028 | September 17 | Sun |
| 2029 | September 17 | Mon |
| 2030 | September 17 | Tue |
Observed
Schools, federal agencies, and institutions receiving federal funding must provide educational programming about the Constitution. Many organizations host special events, including naturalization ceremonies, lectures, and educational activities.
Fun Facts About Constitution Day
- The Constitution has 4,543 words and takes about 30 minutes to read
- Benjamin Franklin (81) was the oldest signer
- Only 39 of the 55 delegates signed the document
- The Constitution was written in less than 100 working days
- It’s the oldest and shortest written national constitution still in use
Quiz
- When was the Constitution signed?
- How many delegates signed the Constitution?
- Who was the oldest signer?
- How many words are in the Constitution?
- What year did Constitution Day become official?
(Answers: 1787; 39; Benjamin Franklin; 4,543; 2004)
FAQs
- Is Constitution Day a federal holiday? No
- Do schools have to observe it? Yes, if they receive federal funds
- Can the Constitution be amended? Yes, through a specific process
- Is it celebrated in all states? Yes, nationwide
Related
- Independence Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Bill of Rights Day
- Law Day
- Citizenship Day
