Celebrating Constitution Day
We observe Constitution Day on September 17, the day the members of the Constitution Convention signed the United States Constitution in 1787.
Constitution Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Constitution and the unprecedented liberty, peace, and prosperity its principles have protected for millions of Americans. We should also reflect on what we can to do protect and preserve the Constitution.
America has been a shining city on a hill to oppressed people around the world. As we return to the principles of the Constitution and live up to our great legacy of liberty, America can again become a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Here are a few resources to help you make the most of Constitution Day. Some families like to celebrate "Constitution Week" or "Constitution Month" so they have more time to learn about this important foundation of our freedom.
Ideas for Your Celebration
Serve a Red, White, and Blue Breakfast
Start the day with a patriotic feast. Decorate your table with patriotic decorations if desired. Serve waffles, cream, strawberries and blueberries for a red, white, and blue breakfast.
Learn About the Constitution
Talk about Constitution Day and what it means. Use the resources listed below to learn about the document that has created great liberty for millions of people.
Memorize Something About the Constitution
As a family, learn the Preamble or an inspirational quote about the Constitution. (See below.)
Create a Family Constitution
Study the process the Founding Fathers went through to create the Constitution. Set up a process and create a constitution for your family.
Interview a New Citizen
Talk to a person who has come to the United States and gone through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Ask questions about their experiences. Take pictures and write down some of the experiences and ideas they share. You could give them a small gift or treat. Be sure to thank them for coming.
Start the day with a patriotic feast. Decorate your table with patriotic decorations if desired. Serve waffles, cream, strawberries and blueberries for a red, white, and blue breakfast.
Learn About the Constitution
Talk about Constitution Day and what it means. Use the resources listed below to learn about the document that has created great liberty for millions of people.
Memorize Something About the Constitution
As a family, learn the Preamble or an inspirational quote about the Constitution. (See below.)
Create a Family Constitution
Study the process the Founding Fathers went through to create the Constitution. Set up a process and create a constitution for your family.
Interview a New Citizen
Talk to a person who has come to the United States and gone through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Ask questions about their experiences. Take pictures and write down some of the experiences and ideas they share. You could give them a small gift or treat. Be sure to thank them for coming.
David McCullough on Constitutional History (32 minutes)
(Click on the red title above to watch in a larger format or to access a specific segment of the video.)
Resources
The United States Constitution
Timeline of the Constitution
Inspirational Quotes About the Constitution
Patriotic Songs (videos with words and music to patriotic songs))
The Preamble Set to Music (three minute video)
A More Perfect Union (two hour video)
The events surrounding the birth of the United States Constitution. Beginning with James Madison studying and writing at his desk, this inspiring movie follows Madison as he shepherds the creation and ratification of the Constitution.
The History of the Constitutional Convention (31 podcast episodes of varying lengths)
A remarkable history of the miraculous, and tumultuous, Constitutional Convention.
Founding Brothers (90 minute video)
The inspiring story of the birth of our constitutional republic.
We the People (one minute video)
One minute video honoring the Constitution.
We Still Hold These Truths (20 minute video)
The principles that make America great.
We Still Hold These Truths (leaders' study guide to go with the book by the same name)
The principles that make America great.
The Patriot’s Guide: What You Can Do for Your Country (PDF from the Heritage Foundation)
Hillsdale College: Introduction to the Constitution
Freedom Project: Principles of the Constitution
Timeline of the Constitution
Inspirational Quotes About the Constitution
Patriotic Songs (videos with words and music to patriotic songs))
The Preamble Set to Music (three minute video)
A More Perfect Union (two hour video)
The events surrounding the birth of the United States Constitution. Beginning with James Madison studying and writing at his desk, this inspiring movie follows Madison as he shepherds the creation and ratification of the Constitution.
The History of the Constitutional Convention (31 podcast episodes of varying lengths)
A remarkable history of the miraculous, and tumultuous, Constitutional Convention.
Founding Brothers (90 minute video)
The inspiring story of the birth of our constitutional republic.
We the People (one minute video)
One minute video honoring the Constitution.
We Still Hold These Truths (20 minute video)
The principles that make America great.
We Still Hold These Truths (leaders' study guide to go with the book by the same name)
The principles that make America great.
The Patriot’s Guide: What You Can Do for Your Country (PDF from the Heritage Foundation)
Hillsdale College: Introduction to the Constitution
- The Declaration and the Constitution (33:12)
- Representative Government (32:11)
- Separation of Powers and Limited Gov't. (29:45)
- Bureaucratic versus Constitutional Gov't. (29:54)
- Conclusion (48:15)
Freedom Project: Principles of the Constitution
- Preamble (9:41)
- Limited Government (8:02)
- Legislative Powers and Limitations (7:23)
- Executive Powers and Limitations (9:43)
- Judicial Powers and Limitations (10:18)
- Bill of Rights, Part 1 (9:30)
- Bill of Rights, Part 2 (8:35)
- Amendments 11-18 (6:57)
- Amendments 19-27 (7:30)