Celebration of Constitution Day in the year 2019
The United States Constitution, a cornerstone of American democracy, was established on September 17, 1787. This significant historical event outlines the rules and separate powers of the three branches of the federal government: the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
The Constitution, the oldest national constitution still in use, consists of a Preamble, seven Articles, and 27 Amendments, including the first 10 Amendments known as the Bill of Rights. The full text of this foundational document can be found online, with annotated versions available on the U.S. Senate website for easier understanding.
The Preamble, a powerful introduction, states the purpose to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure liberty for current and future Americans. The seven Articles lay out the structure of the federal government, from the legislative branch (Congress) to the judicial branch (Supreme Court and federal courts).
The Bill of Rights, added in 1791, guarantees fundamental civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to a fair trial, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Later amendments address issues like abolition of slavery, voting rights for women, and presidential term limits.
Interesting historical facts about the Constitution include the Constitutional Convention, which convened from May 25 to September 17, 1787, originally to revise the Articles of Confederation but ultimately drafting a new Constitution. Gouverneur Morris is credited as the chief draftsman of the final text, including the influential Preamble. Only 39 of the 55 delegates signed the final document, with some refusing or leaving early, demanding a Bill of Rights to be added afterward.
Each year, schools participating in the U.S. Federal Student Aid system are asked to foster awareness and understanding of Constitution Day. Constitution Day events, held by schools and colleges across the United States, aim to promote a greater understanding of the history of the U.S. Constitution. The goal is to educate the next generation on the importance of this foundational document in shaping American democracy.
For those interested in delving deeper into the full original text of the Constitution, official repositories like the National Archives or trusted educational guides are recommended for complete reading, along with summaries that clarify the meaning and historical impact of its provisions.
- As a part of expanding knowledge and self-development, individuals can explore the United States Constitution, a fundamental document that outlines the structure and principles of American democracy.
- To further education-and-self-development, schools in the U.S. Federal Student Aid system are encouraged to foster awareness and understanding of the U.S. Constitution through events on Constitution Day, aiming to educate the next generation about its historical significance and impact on shaping American democracy.
