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Constitution Day Activities

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Constitution Day

by Rob Hartery

 

On September 17, 2007 we will celebrate the 221th anniversary of the United States Constitution. This document, which serves as the backbone of this country, became official on September 17, 1787. Appropriately, the federal law passed to commemorate this day designates September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."

 

Aside from its historical significance, there is a provision of this bill that directly affects federally funded schools. Stated precisely: "Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." According to this mandate, it seems that Constitution Day has been constructed with the intent of reminding us why our society is the way it is, and, in a parallel sense, why we Americans are the way we are.

 

This seems a particularly appropriate topic for exploration at a juncture in our history when some Constitutional values and rules long held as irrefutable are being challenged by our government. For young children, however, it is foremost important that the basic principles outlined by the original document be recognized and understood. The following books which are available in The Learning Tree Store, may serve as a potential starting point for study of the Constitution in the classroom: