Constitution Day

September 17th is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens since.

The law establishing Constitution Day and Citizenship Day was created with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus Spending Bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as “Citizenship Day.” In addition to renaming the holiday “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,” the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds. Universities and colleges nationwide have created “U.S. Constitution and Citizenship Weeks” to meet the requirements of the law. To learn about PCC events and programming for Constitution Day, visit PimaEngage on the Student Activities page.

Constitution Day reminds us that civic engagement is important to our governmental structure. To that end, participating in our political process by exercising your right to vote helps democracy thrive. For more information, see Voter Information.

An interactive version of the U.S. Constitution is available on the National Constitution Center website by searching "Constitution". While on that site, check on the educational video entitled Constitution 101. For additional resources, visit the National Archives and search "Constitution Day."