Constitution Day is annually celebrated on Sept. 17 to account for the signing of the Consitution and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” The Constitution was officially signed today in 1787.

History of the Constitution

The Constitution was created because of the issues with the Articles of Confederation which gave most power to the Congress of the Confederation. This power was limited and dependent on the states for resources. Delegates from each state sent between two and seven members to Congress to meet about such issues.

Each state received one vote on each individual case which pushed results farther away, as a unanimous vote was required to ratify it.

The Constitutional Convention was made up of 12 out of 13 representative delegates that met in Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution for the United States.

One major goal of the convention and new constitution was to push for a government that advocates for a national unity that holds a power stance, yet doesn’t compromise the basic fundamental rights.

The Constitution has been amended 27 times with a specified process that the founders created.

For the addition of an amendment, two-thirds majority ruling is required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a Constitutional Convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

The Constitution preamble states “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The goal of the Constitution was to develop the three branches of government, acquire a system of checks and balances and divide power between the federal government and the states.

The celebration of Constitution Day

Happy #ConstitutionDay. We should never forget the Constitution wasn’t written to restrain citizen’s behavior it was written to restrain the government’s behavior.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 17, 2018

Constitution Day is celebrated in schools throughout America. Many believe, “education is a function of the states.” In order to celebrate this holiday, schools are required to embed the Constitution into their lesson plans at some point during the school year.

Happy #ConstitutionDay! ?? pic.twitter.com/8BDFmkjSGZ

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) September 17, 2018

Today marks the 231st anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia.

Nevada City’s Annual Constitution Day Parade Weekend was held on Sept. 8 and 9, celebrating the 52nd Annual Constitution Day Parade.

We are proud to host petitioners from over 30 countries today on #ConstitutionDay for a naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda. We'll share photos of the ceremony and new citizens later! 🇺🇸 #newUScitizen pic.twitter.com/WlGhpFodY5

— US National Archives (@USNatArchives) September 17, 2018

“Constitution Day marks a new beginning for so many people in the United States. We annually host a naturalization ceremony and the people who become new citizens of this country will always hold a special place in their heart for today,” Christopher Eck, director of the U.S. National Archives Center said.