- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇺🇸
Constitution Day, also known as Constitution and Citizenship Day, recognizes the signing of the U.S. Constitution every September 17. This pivotal document establishes the framework for American government and guarantees essential rights. Reflect on its enduring principles, learn about its history, and celebrate the responsibilities of citizenship.
Want to sponsor Constitution Day? Learn how
Expected Constitution Day Deals
As a day of civic recognition rather than commercial celebration, Constitution Day focuses less on sales and more on education and community engagement. Organizations like the National Constitution Center often host free online resources and virtual events. Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble may feature discounts on books about American history and civics. Government agencies and educational institutions provide free access to historical documents and educational materials. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as September 17 approaches.
Platform Guide for Constitution Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ConstitutionDay. Share historical facts, quotes from the Founding Fathers, or questions about civic engagement to spark discussion.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ConstitutionDay. Discuss the importance of constitutional law in business or share insights on civic duties in the workplace.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ConstitutionDay. Share educational videos, host a live Q&A about the Constitution, or post family-friendly activities.
Constitution Day Hero
James Madison
History of Constitution Day
After the American Revolution freed the American colonies from British rule, the Founding Fathers wanted to make sure the new government couldn’t abuse its power. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, delegates from twelve of the thirteen new states gathered to draft the document that would serve as the basis of all future U.S. law.
The Constitution calls for three branches of government with equal powers, creating a system commonly known as “checks and balances.” Each branch has power to mitigate the others. Powers not assigned to one of the three branches are left to the individual states.
Delegates at the Convention had two options for setting up the framework of the new legislative branch. The Virginia Plan, predictably supported by larger states, called for representation based on population. The competing New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for each state. The two-house solution known as the Great Compromise combines aspects of both plans and is still in use today.
The Constitution also outlines the responsibilities and powers of the judicial and executive branches, how the President is elected, and other nitty-gritty details.
The Founding Fathers recognized that society evolves, and that the Constitution would require a mechanism for making changes. However, they wanted to ensure that making changes would require agreement from a large number of states. To alter the Constitution, a proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of states.
In 1940, Congress and the President passed a resolution creating “I Am an American Day,” observed on the third Sunday in May. In 1952, the holiday was renamed to “Constitution Day” and moved to September 17, the day in 1787 that the Constitution was signed. More than 50 years later in 2004, Congress once again changed the name of the holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Constitution Day timeline
The U.S. Constitution goes into effect when New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify it.
Inspired by the American Revolution, the French take up arms against the monarchy, eventually toppling King Louis XVI.
The first ten amendments of the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, are enacted.
Congress passes a resolution creating “I Am an American Day,” recognizing new American citizens.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Constitution Day
Local businesses can observe Constitution Day by hosting educational workshops or discussions about the Constitution’s relevance to their industry. Law firms might offer pro bono consultations on civic rights, while bookstores can curate special displays of constitutional literature. Restaurants could feature ‘founding father’ themed menu items or offer discounts to those who correctly answer a trivia question about the Constitution.
Constitution Day FAQs
When is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day 2026 falls on Thursday, September 17, marking the annual observance of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. It’s a day to reflect on the enduring principles of American democracy.
How many words are in the U.S. Constitution?
The original U.S. Constitution, including the signatures, contains 4,400 words, making it the shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. It’s a testament to its concise yet powerful framework.
Is Constitution Day a federal holiday?
Constitution Day is not a federal holiday, meaning most federal employees do not receive a day off. However, federal law requires all publicly funded educational institutions to provide educational programming on the history of the Constitution.
What is the significance of September 17?
September 17, 1787, marks the day the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia. This act formally established the supreme law of the United States, creating a new framework for governance.
Constitution Day Activities
Read the Constitution
How familiar are you with our nation’s most important document? If your answer is “not very,” there are many resources that will help you read and digest the Constitution at your own pace.
Congratulate an Immigrant
Do you have any friends who have passed the Citizenship test to become naturalized U.S. citizens? Congratulate them on their achievement today.
Get a “Pocket Constitution”
Did you know you can buy convenient, pocket-sized versions of the Constitution to keep with you? Check your local bookstore or educational supply shop, or order one online.
5 Fascinating Facts About The Constitution
Thomas Jefferson never signed it
Some very important Founding Fathers never actually signed the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, for example, was away in Paris serving as an ambassador to France.
“Pennsylvania” is spelled wrong at the top
In the list of signatories, Pennsylvania is spelled with just one ‘N.’
The right to vote isn’t defined
Because the Constitution did not set out rules for who gets to vote, minority groups have gained suffrage through subsequent amendments.
Less than 1% of constitutional amendments pass
Of 11,600 proposed amendments, only 27 have been ratified, making the chance of passing an amendment 0.23% — or, rounded down, 0.
Ben Franklin had to be carried
The aging statesman had to be carried to and from the Convention meetings due to his poor health, and needed assistance signing the document.
Why Constitution Day is Important
The U.S. Constitution inspired others
Our Constitution has served as the basis for other similar documents around the world.
The Constitution provides our most important rights
The Bill of Rights and other parts of the Constitution guarantee the essential liberties that we value most as Americans.
The people can change it
As the Founders worked on the Constitution together, they quibbled over what title the head of government should have. After throwing out “His Highness the President of the United States of America and Protector of their Liberties,” “Electoral Highness” and “Excellency;” the delegates settled on "The President of the United States of America." Catchy!
Constitution Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 17 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 17 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 17 | Monday |
| 2030 | September 17 | Tuesday |
Social Media Tips for Constitution Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands