About Constitution Day

We the people...

Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, the 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia's Independence Hall to sign the United States Constitution. Today, educational institutions across the country recognize this event on and around Sept. 17 with educational events and celebrations.

Signed into law in 2004, Constitution and Citizenship Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and also recognizes “all who, by coming of age or naturalization, have become citizens.” Government officials are encouraged to display the flag of the United States on government buildings to commemorate Constitution and Citizenship Day, and the people of the United States are invited to observe the day “in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.”

In 2005, Congress determined that educational institutions that receive federal funds for a given year must hold an educational program on the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17 of that year for the students they serve.

Faculty, staff and students at Appalachian have taken this opportunity to plan several events during the week of Sept. 17 to engage our campus community in discussions about the U.S. Constitution, its history and its meaning in today’s world.

Fun Facts about the U.S. Constitution

• U.S. Constitution was written in the same PA State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army.
• The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries.
• Three Latin phrases appear in the Constitution: pro tempore, ex post facto, and habeas corpus.
• In 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution which became the first ten amendments that are now known as The Bill of Rights.
• Of the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed and 3 delegates dissented. Two of America’s “founding fathers” didn’t sign the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was representing his country in France and John Adams was doing the same in Great Britain.
• Established on November 26, 1789, the first national “Thanksgiving Day” was originally created by George Washington as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution.
• Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest.
• Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was 26 and the youngest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.
• Benjamin Franklin, at age 81, was the oldest delegate and had to be helped to sign his name.
• The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping.
• Jacob Shallus, a clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, physically wrote the Constitution down on parchment paper. The Convention paid him $30 for his services, which is worth about $800 today.
• More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress and 27 have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the Constitution.

Related links

• National Constitution Center
• View the Constitution of the United States in the National Archives
• Information and resources about Constitution and Citizenship Day
• UNC System campus free speech and free expression resources

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.