Constitution Day (September 17)

On Constitution and Citizenship Day, September 17, the U.S. celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. In 2004, a law was passed establishing the holiday that honors both the signing of the Constitution and all individuals who have become citizens, whether born in the U.S. or by naturalization.

Here are some Annenberg Learner resources about the Constitution:

In the series The Constitution: That Delicate Balance, distinguished personalities in government, media, and law discuss constitutional issues such as criminal justice, personal freedoms, and presidential elections.

In Democracy in America, program 2, “The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?” topics presented include different interpretations of the Constitution and the relationship between the President and Congress when creating laws.

More resources about the United States Constitution and citizenship:

Ethics in America
Ethics in America II

Making Civics Real: A Workshop for Teachers

A Biography of America, program 5, “A New System of Government”

The Western Tradition: Program 5, “The Rise of Greek Civilization,”
program 6, “Greek Thought,” program 37, “The American Revolution,” and
program 38, “The American Republic.”

American Passages archives. Search “Constitution” and other key terms.
Other Annenberg Resources for Constitution Day

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands was established by the Annenberg Foundation to advance public understanding and appreciation for democracy and to address serious issues facing the country and the world. Among its many activities, the Sunnylands Trust creates and distributes print, online, and video materials on the Constitution for use on Constitution Day in September and beyond. To use these resources, visit the Sunnylands’ Constitution Project’s site for teachers, Sunnylands Classroom.

More free video programs and other materials for your Constitution Day events can be found on the Annenberg Classroom Web site

Joey Wiseman, WVDE social studies coordinator