Constitution and Citizenship Day

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 men on September 17, 1787. It defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States. According to the United States Senate: “The Constitution’s first three words—We the People—affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. For over two centuries the Constitution has remained in force because its framers wisely separated and balanced governmental powers to safeguard the interests of majority rule and minority rights, of liberty and equality, and of the federal and state governments.”

The legislation authorizing this Day states, “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year should hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on Sept. 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.” Should Sept. 17 fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, educational institutions should celebrate “Constitution Day” the preceding or following week. The full text of the authorizing legislation can be found in Section 111 of Division J of Pub. L. 108-447, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,” Dec. 8, 2004; 118 Stat. 2809, 3344-45 (Section 111).

To commemorate Constitution and Citizenship Day:

September 26, 2023:

A pamphlet titled, The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It, will be distributed to students on September 27, in the Magan Hall.

Constitution Day (also known as Citizenship Day) is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”

We celebrate Constitution Day because that historic document, along with its later affixed Bill of Rights, is the legal means by which “We the People” ensure that the government serves its vital purposes without violating our rights.  The Constitution defines the structure of our federal government. It is the most remarkable political charter in history. MTSA encourages students at all levels to learn more about our Constitution and government.

More information about Constitution Day can be found here https://www.constitutionday.com/constitutional-amendments-bill-of-rights.html.

Video produced by the United States Courts

https://youtu.be/SG198OyY82c

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.

MTSA Administration emailed the above information on 9/26/23 to its students.

 

Links/Resources: