Constitution Day Resources

What Is Constitution Day?

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the Constitution's signing and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens. By law, "the civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside."

Attend Constitution Day at the NCC

Every year on September 17, the National Constitution Center celebrates Constitution Day—the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. With free museum admission and special programming,students and teachers are invited to experience history in action through engaging programs, hands-on activities, and unforgettable experiences that bring America’s founding story to life.

Explore

Visit the National Constitution Center from anywhere with this special virtual tour of our iconic Signers’ Hall exhibit.

Watch

Watch videos of the delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as compiled by leading historian Carol Berkin. Also included are the three delegates who declined to sign the Constitution.

Listen

Check out this We the People podcast episode about James Madison’s vision for the Constitution.

Read

Learn more about Benjamin Franklin's Closing Speech at the Constitutional Convention, now avalible on our Founders Library. 

Explore

Explore arguments for and against the proposed constitution and decide whether you agree or disagree.

Learn

Have fun getting to know the phrases of the Preamble while you unscramble the puzzle.

Preamble Reading

Watch staff of the National Constitution Center—plus some special guests—live from the museum’s front lawn, as we kick off the day with a reading of the Preamble to the Constitution.

Naturalization Ceremony

Experience the annual Naturalization Ceremony, hosted by the Center as part of our Constitution Day celebrations, during which 50 immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. 

Student Town Hall: A Conversation With Benjamin Franklin

Listen as historian and author Carol Berkin discusses with one of history’s favorite founding figures, Benjamin Franklin, his contributions to our nation’s founding documents, and the impact that our founders’ legacies have had on America 250 years later. Conversation moderated by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center.

The Constitution of the United States

Read the Full Text
The Preamble
The Articles
Bill of Rights/Amendments

Primary Sources

Historic Documents Library
Supreme Court Cases Library
The Drafting Table
Writing Rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. Constitution?
What are the three branches of the Federal government?
What was the Articles Of Confederation, and how did it lead to the Constitutional Convention?
When and where was the Constitution drafted?

Popular Topics

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10 reasons why America’s first constitution failed
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Constitution 101 Curriculum: High School Level

Constitution 101 Curriculum: Middle School Level

This course is a set of 15 flexible modules that will lead middle schoolers through the process of inquiry to build their own understanding of the Constitution. By exploring the Constitution’s history and creation, its unique structure, and pivotal case law, students will study the historical and philosophical foundations of America’s founding principles throughout history.

Classroom Resources by Topic

Our instructional materials use the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution to provide students with nonpartisan analysis from top constitutional scholars.
Bill of Rights Overview
First Amendment: Overview
Constitutional Convention
Principles of the American Revolution

Classroom Resource Library

Our resources library has lesson plans, actvities, videos, and Constitution 101 resources for educators, students, and families.
Lesson Plans
Classroom Activities
Classroom Videos
All Educator Resources
All Student Resources