On Sept. 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.

Explore the interactive Constitution to learn more about the history of this founding document and what it means today from leading Constitutional experts. 

Listen to the We the People podcast to learn about the intellectual inspirations behind the U.S. Constitution.

What do you think is the most important freedom guaranteed Americans by the Constitution?

• The Constitution of the United States was signed on September 17, 1787.  However, it was not ratified by the required number of states until 1788.
• The writers of the Constitution worked in secret and behind guarded doors.
• George Washington established the first national Thanksgiving Day on November 26, 1789, as a time for people to give thanks for the Constitution.
• The oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention was Benjamin Franklin, age 81.  Jonathon Dayton, age 26, was the youngest delegate.
• After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the Constitution was taken to Fort Knox so it would be safe during World War II. It is displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

National Constitution Center. (2012). Ten fast facts on the Constitution.  Retrieved from https://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day/about-constitution-day/10-fast-facts-on-the-constitution/