Kentucky Department of Education

This page was created to provide K-12 teachers and schools with resources for the implementation of Constitution Day activities and lessons.

 

Pursuant to legislation passed by Congress, educational institutions receiving Federal funding are required to hold an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year.  This Congressional initiative is authorized by 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). 

 

Section 111(b) states ``[e]ach educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.''

 

Section 111 requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17 of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.

The National Archives: Observing Constitution Day

This site contains links to numerous sources of information, activities, simulations, and lessons concerning the Constitution.

 

The National Archives: The Constitution

This site provides a transcript of the document, as well as imagery of the document itself.

 

Constitution Day, Inc.

This site provides a great deal of background information, as well as educational materials for study.

 

The Library of Congress: Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention Documents

This site provides access to the Constitutional Convention documents, as well as a number of educational resources.

 

The National Constitution Center

This is an outstanding site for exploring the Constitution.  It offers many hands-on activities for learning about the Constitution and how it relates to our daily lives.

 

White House Kids: Constitution

This site contains links to Constitution facts, quizzes, and other resources.

 

Constitution Day Lesson Plan—Middle School

Prepared and provided by the Bill of Rights Institute.

 

Constitution Day Lesson Plan—High School

Prepared and provided by the Bill of Rights Institute.

 

Constitution Day Video Program with Materials

NPR radio program Justice Talking, in cooperation with the National Archives Records Administration, the New York Times Knowledge Network, and other partners, will broadcast two programs online and via satellite that any school may show and build their own educational program around free of charge.

 

MarcoPolo--Celebrating Constitution Day MarcoPolo has rounded up some of their newest and most compelling lessons on the U.S. Constitution, its architects, its meaning and its magnitude in this month's MarcoGram. Use the activities below to get your students thinking about how the Constitution affects all American citizens, then scroll down for more links and resources on this topic. Plus, visit EDSITEment for a full-page feature on the Constitution, with lessons and activities for all grade levels.  

Junior Achievement--The Constitution JA Worldwide has developed five lesson plans on the U.S. Constitution that can be downloaded and used in conjunction with Constitution Day. In addition, three of these lessons are scheduled to be published in the September issue of the National Council for the Social Studies publication, Social Education.

Center for Civic Education--Constitution Day Lessons

The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational corporation dedicated to fostering the development of informed, responsible participation in civic life by citizens committed to the values and principles fundamental to American constitutional democracy. The Center offers a wide range of curricular materials, teacher trainings, community-based programs, and other free resources including the National Standards for Civics & Government.