We the People celebrate Constitution Day! You may not think about the U.S. Constitution every day, but this remarkable document has shaped our country for more than 200 years. It provides the foundation for our federal government and many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, the anniversary of the day delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. Congress established Constitution Day as a federal observance in 2004.
History doesn't have to be boring! Constitution Day is a fun opportunity to introduce kids to this important piece of American history, discover some surprising facts about the people who created it, and explore what the Constitution means today. We've gathered kid-friendly resources, videos, and fun facts to help you learn together!
What is the Constitution?
A simple way to explain the U.S. Constitution to kids is to think of it as the rulebook for our federal government. It is the highest law of the land, establishing how our government works and protecting many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. Other laws must follow the Constitution.
The Constitution was written during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a gathering that lasted about four months. The delegates created a new framework for the country to replace the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first national governing document.
The Constitution begins with the Preamble, a short introduction that explains the purpose of the document. It starts with three words you may recognize: "We the People." Those words can be a great jumping-off point for talking with kids about the idea that government gets its authority from the people.
The Constitution has seven articles that outline the structure and powers of the federal government. Changes made to the Constitution are called amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights, and there are 27 amendments today.
The Preamble is short, but its opening words are some of the most famous in American history. Read it together and see what your kids recognize!
| Preamble to the United States Constitution We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. |
Fun Facts About the United States Constitution
- Thirty-nine men signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Thirty-eight delegates signed it in person, and George Read signed for John Dickinson, who was absent.
- Not everyone who attended the Convention agreed with the final document. George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, and Edmund Randolph refused to sign because they believed the Constitution should include a Bill of Rights.
- Thomas Jefferson and John Adams didn't sign the Constitution either - but they weren't at the Convention. Jefferson was serving as a diplomat in France, while Adams was serving in Great Britain.
- The men who signed the Constitution weren't all born in what is now the United States. Four were born in Ireland, one in England, one in Scotland, and one in the Caribbean.
- Of the 32 signers born in the colonies that became the United States, six were born in Maryland, while Massachusetts and Pennsylvania were each the birthplace of four.
- Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the Constitution, making him the oldest signer. He was so frail that he had to be carried to the Convention in a sedan chair.
- At just 26 years old, Jonathan Dayton was the youngest signer.
- Only two signers later became president: George Washington and James Madison.
- You won't find the word "democracy" anywhere in the Constitution.
- The final Constitution was written by hand. Jacob Shallus, an assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, hand-copied the final text onto parchment in about 40 hours and was paid $30 for his work.
- The Constitution that the delegates signed was written entirely by hand. Jacob Shallus, an assistant clerk for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, carefully copied the final text onto four sheets of parchment in about 40 hours. He was paid $30 for his work.
- No photocopiers or printers! While Jacob Shallus prepared the handwritten Constitution for signing, printers John Dunlap and David Claypoole produced 500 printed copies of the final document.
- The first national Thanksgiving Day was connected to the new government created by the Constitution. On November 26, 1789, George Washington proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving, including thanks for the establishment of the new government.
More Ways to Learn About the Constitution
There are lots of ways to keep exploring the Constitution beyond Constitution Day! National Constitution Center is one great resource, and your local library is another - look for books and movies that can help your family learn more about the Constitution and the people who shaped it.
Here are more resources for your family to explore
- National Constitution Center: Constitution FAQ
- Fun classroom ideas to celebrate Constitution Day
- Constitution Day Printables
- U.S. Constitution Fun Zone
- National Archives: Meet the Framers of the Constitution
- National Archives: The Bill of Rights: What Does it Say?
- Constitution of the United States
Here are few more videos worth watching with your kids:
▶️ Twinkl USA: Constitution Day for Kids | 17 September | How to celebrate Constitution Day
▶️ What is Constitution Day? | All About Holidays for Kids
▶️ Kid Civics: Our Constitution
▶️ The Constitution for Kids - Who makes the Rules?
▶️ Free School: United States Constitution for Children, Parts and Purposes of the Constitution for Kids
Keep the learning going! Check out our calendar for more family-friendly things to do around town, and subscribe to Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas for weekly ideas to help you find your family fun!
