We celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th, the day the members of the Constitutional Convention ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
It's a great opportunity to learn about the Constitution and study the principles of government that have created unprecedented liberty, peace, and prosperity for millions of Americans.
Here are a few ideas and 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
Read the Constitution
Read the United States Constitution. Discuss what a revolutionary document it is and why it is so important to preserve it.
Memorize Something about the Constitution
As a family, learn the Preamble. Some families like to learn it by singing the words. Or you could memorize an inspirational quote about the Constitution.
Learn about How the Constitution was Created
Watch Founding Brothers. Talk about the inspiring story of the birth of our constitutional republic.
Or you could watch Prayer and the Miracle in Philadelphia and explain that after much study, work, and discussion, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were unable to create and agree on a constitution until they asked for, and received, help from God.
Talk about Your Heritage
Share your feelings about the blessings and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States of America. Tell stories about your heritage.
Consider What You Can Do
Perhaps one of the most significant things you can do is to consider what you and your family can to do to protect and preserve the Constitution, then create a written plan, and begin to take action.
Enjoy Patriotic Music
Play inspiring patriotic music. Sing some of your favorite patriotic songs.
Serve Refreshments
After a lesson, video, or activity, you could serve fun patriotic refreshments.
David McCullough on the History of the Constitution
Resources to Learn About the Constitution
The United States Constitution
Timeline of the Constitution
Inspirational Quotes About the Constitution
The Preamble Set to Music (three minute video)
The History of the Constitutional Convention (31 podcast episodes of varying lengths)
Remarkable history of the miraculous, and tumultuous, Constitutional Convention.
Founding Brothers (90 minute video)
Story of the birth of our constitutional republic.
We the People (one minute video)
Inspiring short video honoring the Constitution.
We Still Hold These Truths (20 minute video)
Principles that make America great.
We Still Hold These Truths
Leaders' guide about the principles that make America great (goes with book by the same name).
The Patriot’s Guide: What You Can Do for Your Country
PDF from the Heritage Foundation with ways you can make a difference
Consource.org
Online library of constitutional history and resources.
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)
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