Constitution Day
President George W. Bush signed a bill on December 8, 2004 (public law 108-447) which
designates every September 17 as Constitution Day for all schools eligible for Title IV funding.
This provision was introduced by Senator Robert Byrd.
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on
September 17, 1787, by 39 of the 55 delegates present at the Constitutional Convention. The 39
delegates represented thirteen states. The two delegates that signed from New Hampshire were
Nicholas Gilman and John Langdon.
AACC celebrates Constitution Day on or about September 17th of each year. It is important for
students to have an understanding and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution that has been the
foundation of the freedoms provided to all Americans. Past events have included: Surveys or
quizzes about the constitution, registering students to vote, giving out bookmarks with
constitution facts, showing films, and giving out pocket constitutions to students.
Information about the Constitution:
Constitution Background
Since May of 1787, delegates had gathered in the State House (Independence Hall) of
Philadelphia, PA, to revise the Articles of Confederation, the first governing documents of the
United States of America as adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777.
After several months of debate and redrafting, delegates voted to design an entirely new
framework for the government, the Constitution. After the Constitution was signed by members
of the Continental Congress in September 1787, fierce debates ensued at the state level over
issues such as the power of central government and states, and the process of electing
representatives.
The Constitution was eventually ratified and took effect on June 21, 1788.
Historical Timeline of the United States Constitution
March 25-28, 1785 - The Mount Vernon Conference: Representatives
of Maryland and Virginia meet at George Washington's plantation to resolve conflicts over the
navigation of the Potomac and Pocomoke Rivers.
September 11-14, 1786 - The Annapolis Convention: New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia meet to discuss uniform trade regulations, but
agree to appeal to all states to meet again to discuss broader reforms.
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February 21, 1787 - Congress approves convention to amend the Articles of the Confederation.
May 25, 1787 – The first meeting of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
May 29, 1787 - Edmund Randolph proposes the Virginia Plan.
July 26, 1787 - Constitution submitted to a Committee of Detail. They were appointed to
prepare the first formal draft of the Constitution.
August 6, 1787 - First draft of Constitution presented to Constitutional Convention
September 17, 1787 - All delegates, except Randolph, Mason, and Gerry, sign the Constitution.
The Constitution Today
Today the Constitution is housed at the National Archives and Records Administration on
Constitution Ave NW [between 7th and 9th St.] in Washington, DC. You can visit the National
Archives Website for more information, hours, and directions.
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