Did you think Independence Day was America's birthday? Nope. The 4th of July, 1776, was the day the would-be citizens of the U.S. declared that they intended to become an independent country. America's real birthday is the day the founding fathers signed the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day (formerly Citizenship Day) commemorates the creation of the U.S. Constitution as well as the thirty-nine men who signed it on September 17, 1787.
The U.S. Constitution is a social contract between American citizens and their government. It outlines the supreme law of the land and defines the principles, structure, powers, and duties of the government. Learning about this foundational documents helps children understand their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.
Constitution Day Activities and Resources
Some ideas to get you started on your shared exploration of the Constitution:
- Have a look at the historic document itself. Print the U.S. Constitution or view the Interactive Constitution.
- Compare
- Collect some free Constitution Day resources, including a free Constitution iPhone App or a pocket-size Constitution book.
- Learn about the 39 delegates "founding fathers" who signed the Constitution.
- Have a look at Alex Sharp's Constitution Day activities for gifted education. His recommended resources include the online game: Who wants to marry a founding father? Sounds interesting.
- Take the quiz: What's your Constitution I.Q.?
Why is a civic education important?
I still remember my first treasured copy of the Constitution. At 7 or 8 years old, I didn't fully understand what the rolled parchment was, but I knew it was important to my country.
In my article on Bill of Rights Day activities, I wrote that a civic education aims to help citizens of all ages gain the knowledge and skills they need to participate responsibly and effectively in the community, government, and politics. Bill of Rights Day is celebrated on December 15.
In "Understanding the Constitution," Theresa Willingham discussed further why Americans should understand the U.S. Constitution under which they live.
Learning about the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments, the Bill of Rights, helps American children build the foundation of a civic education and become good citizens. By learning about this important document, especially on Constitution Day, children begin to discover the freedoms the United States of America are founded upon and our rights and responsibilities for upholding those freedoms.
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Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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