Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 17, commemorating the date that the United States Constitution was signed and adopted by delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. 

The U.S. Constitution was drafted with the purpose to create a government that had enough power to act on a national level, but without so much power that individual’s fundamental rights would be at risk. The Constitution accomplished this by separating the government’s power into three branches, and then including checks and balances on each of those separate powers to ensure that no single branch would have too much power. Each branch’s powers are spelled out in the Constitution, and the powers not assigned to them are reserved for the states. 

The Constitution established America’s national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. According to History.com, the convention’s five-member Committee of Style (Hamilton, Madison, William Samuel Johnson of Connecticut, Governor Morris of New York, and Rufus King of Massachusetts) had drafted the final text of the Constitution, which consisted of some 4,200 words. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, presided over by George Washington. Washington was the first to sign the document.

Many Americans observe this important day in our nation’s history by attending local events. Students often learn about the Constitution, the rights it ensures, and related issues in American government and history on this day. Painted images of the Constitution’s founders are often used to illustrate the importance of the meaning behind the day and the words “We the People,” which are written in the Constitution, have been highlighted in promotional material to symbolize unity and cooperation within the nation. This Constitution Day, celebrate through activities, learning, parades and demonstrations of our love for the United States of America and the blessings of freedom our Founding Fathers secured for us.