Constitution Day |
On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution, a written charter for a new federal government. The delegates convened in Philadelphia to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account federal and state interests, as well as individual human rights. Once signed, the Constitution required ratification from at least nine of the 13 states to take effect. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and the Constitution became the law of the land.
In 2005, Congress designated September 17 as a day "to hold educational programs for students" on the Constitution. Authorizing legislation states that all educational institutions and federal agencies receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17 – Constitution Day.
Students and teachers can now find a one-stop resource for a better understanding of the importance of the United States and Iowa Constitutions. The Constitution page on the Iowa Judicial Branch website includes videos, podcasts, and discussion guides. The resource page is a joint effort of the judicial branch and The Iowa State Bar Association
VISIT CONSTITUTION DAY PAGE
Additional Resources
- Know Your Constitution Program
- The Constitution Explained
- Interactive Constitution
- National Archives - Teach the Constitution Using Primary Source Documents
- Constitution Sources Project - Library of Constitutional History
- National Constitution Center
- Learn the Preamble
- iCivics - Games and Activities
- Constitution IQ Quizzes and Fun Facts
- Constitution App
Welcome from Iowa's Chief Justice
A welcome and brief explanation of this 2025 Constitution Day from Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen.
Do Your Part
The ISBA Center for Law & Civic Education encourages ISBA members to visit classrooms around the State of Iowa in observance of Constitution Day and provides materials to members to make their presentation more interactive with students and begin the conversation about the importance of the Constitution in our lives.
