Constitution Day

All higher education institutions that receive federal funds from the Department of Education are required to implement an educational program relating to the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 2005, and every subsequent year. The full text of the authorizing legislation can be found in Section 111 of Division J of Pub. L. 108-447, the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005," Dec. 8, 2004; 118 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 (Section 111).

This day will be known as "Constitution Day" to honor the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The legislation authorizing this Day states, "Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year should hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on Sept. 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." Should Sept. 17 fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, educational institutions should celebrate "Constitution Day" the preceding or following week.

Middle Georgia State University has celebrated Constitution Day each year since 2005.

 

Links:

• The National Archives
• The Constitution
• The Library of Congress
• Justice Talking – Audio of NPR program, many dealing with Constitutional issues
• Annenberg Classroom – Lots of videos, but Annenberg requires (free) registration before the videos can be accessed.