Constitution Day

Title IV schools must comply with the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005.” The law states that “each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program to commemorate the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.” The law requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17th of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day is held during the preceding or following week.

While the U.S. Department of Education does not endorse any particular program or Website, the following information is provided because it may be of use to educational institutions developing their Constitution Day programs. One of the Library of Congress’ repositories for Constitutional documents and information may be accessed at: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bdsds/bdsdhome.html.  In addition, the National Archives also has a Web site with a scan of the U.S. Constitution available online at: http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/constitution.html.

Constitution Day is dedicated to all U.S. citizens.

 Source: Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, https://ifap.ed.gov/fregisters/FR05242005.html