Constitution Day is coming! On September 17, 2021, the United States celebrates the document that got the country to where it is today. Thanks to the founding fathers, the Constitution plays a role in multiple aspects of life. From its connection to the U.S. Census to the Bill of Rights, the Constitution is an important document for all. There are exciting celebrations all around that will not only educate but spread awareness of how valuable this day is.
The History of the Constitution
The first Constitution was not what we know it to be today. Prior to it, the 13 colonies followed the Articles of Confederation. These articles faced multiple disputes, so a new constitution was needed. The delegates from each colony assembled at the Constitutional Convention where they worked for three months to finalize a new constitution. On September 17, 1787, 38 delegates signed the Constitution, which was "an extraordinary achievement," hence the reason Constitution Day is celebrated each September 17.
The Constitution is truly the backbone of what governs the nation. It "acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures." It has a preamble, seven articles, and the Bill of Rights that was added in 1791. It's also where the three branches, executive, legislative, and judicial, were formed.
Want to Access the Constitution?
Although the Constitution is over 230 years old, it is still available for every person to view and read. Located inside the National Archives Museum's Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the four pieces of parchment paper that hold the framework for this nation are out for display. They join the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. 
A transcription of the Constitution is also available for viewing online. The National Archives provides a typed version of the document and hyperlinks for easy viewing and reading. It even includes the names of every person who signed the Constitution and links biographies for each delegate.
A popular option to view the Constitution fits in the palm of someone's hand. The "Pocket Constitution" contains the "complete text of two core documents of American democracy, the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence." It's available as an online PDF on govinfo.gov. A physical copy is available at the OSU Library or found at most Constitution Day events for free! It can also be purchased online.
The last way to view the U.S. Constitution is on Constitution Annotated. It has the text of the Constitution and an analysis of it and also provides interpretations. Constitution Annotated shows the Constitution being applied in courts and cases and includes some history of the Constitution.
The last way to view the U.S. Constitution is on Constitution Annotated. It has the text of the Constitution and an analysis of it and also provides interpretations. Constitution Annotated shows the Constitution being applied in courts and cases and includes some history of the Constitution.
Constitution Day Celebrations!
Around the country, Constitution Day celebrations are happening in a variety of forms. The National Archives is holding two virtual events: Meet James Madison and The People's Constitution. In the past, new United States naturalized citizens take the oath of allegiance in the National Archives Rotunda, right where the Constitution lays. Below is the 2018 event.
Education is the most valuable way of celebrating this day. The National Constitution Center provides the Interactive Constitution, which allows people to "learn about the text and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives. It even discusses current issues that are either constitutional or unconstitutional.
Here at Oklahoma State University's Edmon Low Library, Constitution Day is being celebrated in a couple of ways. There will be tabling events, celebrating and sharing knowledge on the very document that helps form this nation. Edmon Low will be hosting "2021: Contemplating the Constitution" where they ask the OSU community to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences on the Constitution using six words. OSU students will even have the opportunity of winning one of five $200 scholarships.
 |
| OSU Library - Constitution Day Tabling |
The Department of Education provides a vast amount of resources that can be used to plan Constitution Day events.
The National Archives provides a video resources section that explains further into the importance of the Constitution.
Learn more about how the Constitution directly impacts the U.S. Census.
_______________________________________________________________________
Eager to know more? Start here.
Government Information Online is produced by the staff at the Oklahoma State University Libraries Government Documents Department, a regional depository for U.S. Government and Oklahoma state government documents. We are located on the 5th floor of the Edmon Low Library. Our department website can be reached at www.info.library.okstate.edu/government-documents. For more information or for research assistance, contact us at 405.744.6546. or email suzanne.reinman@okstate.edu.
Comments