In the United States, September 17 is set aside to celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. On September 17, 1787, after one hundred days of debate, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of what would become our nation’s Constitution.
History
The United States Constitution, the written charter of our nation’s government, “defines the fundamental law of the U.S. federal government, setting forth the three principal branches of the federal government and outlining their jurisdictions.” With the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the Constitution is the third of America’s key founding documents. It is recognizable for its famous Preamble, which begins with the historic words: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union….” Acknowledging the importance of this foundational document, in 2004, Congress amended 36 U.S.C. § 106 to include Constitution Day in its commemoration of Citizenship Day on September 17. Pub. L. 108-447, div. J, title I, § 111(c)(1) Dec. 8, 204, 118 Stat. 3344. Today, we continue to celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, a day set aside to not only commemorate the signing of our Constitution but also to recognize all people who have become citizens of our nation, whether that be by coming of age or through naturalization. (36 U.S.C. § 106.) State and local civil and educational authorities “are urged to make plans for the proper observance of [the day] and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens.” Moreover, every educational institution that receives federal funding must hold an educational program on Constitution Day for the institution’s students. See Pub. L. 108-447.
Events
In keeping with the spirit of the intent behind Constitution Day, many organizations, both at the national and community levels, have scheduled events that highlight this important document that forms the basis of our democratic society.
Houston Bar Association (HBA) – On Friday, September 16, 2022, attorney members of the HBA will read and discuss the book A Vote Is a Powerful Thing by Catherine Stier to 2nd and 3rd graders throughout Harris County.
State Bar of Texas - The State Bar is encouraging students to watch short videos of people associated with America’s founding documents and vote for their favorite person through its “I was the first. Vote for me” program. Kids can choose from Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TSU) - TSU will host the 2022 Constitution Law CLE on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Law Library of Congress – On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the Law Library of Congress will host The Hughes Court: From Progressivism to Pluralism, 1930 to 1941.
Bill of Rights Institute – On Friday, September 16, 2022, the Bill of Rights Institute is hosting Constitution Day Live!, a hybrid streaming program. This year’s theme is The Constitution at Work.
Further Reading
National Archives – “Observing Constitution Day”
United States Courts - “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day”
United States Census Bureau - “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: September 17, 2022”