On this day in 1787, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., signed the U.S. Constitution. The day is celebrated as Constitution Day and is followed by Constitution Week, celebrated annually September 17-23. In addition, today is also known as Citizenship Day, a day to reflect on what it means to be a U.S. citizen.
To commemorate the start of the week, the Department of Education in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities and iCivics, hosted a Constitution Day and Citizenship Day virtual event today to help ensure all Americans have the knowledge and inspiration to participate in America’s unique form of self-government. During the event, Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, presented his organization’s commitment to join the America250 effort and signed the interagency memorandum of understanding.
Secretary Cardona said, “I want to encourage everyone to get involved in your communities, and schools and set good examples for learners of all ages and to help others in your community get involved. Democracy can’t be passive; it’s active.” He concluded his remarks with, “Today, the Department of Education will also proudly join a number of federal agencies in signing an agreement to work cooperatively on the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
Resources
In addition to America250’s own Constitution quiz, the Department of Education shares resources for educators looking to elevate learning and understanding about the Constitution. And for those who want to see the 100 civics questions and answers for the country’s naturalization test, the document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is here.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.