America’s Founders Wrote It Down
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention approved and signed the document on September 17, 1787.
John Hartvigsen
September 17 celebrates the United States Constitution’s creation 233 years ago. The American Founders not only worked out details of how thirteen former British Colonies would be governed, they put it in writing. That may seem expected today; however, the United States of America’s Constitution has the honor not only of being the oldest written constitution, but it is also has been continually in force longer than any other nation. France, for example, followed our example and created a constitution a few years after us. However, the French have created more than 15 constitutions. Even if some were never put in force, that is quite a few. Other nations have also had several written constitutions.
The United States of America, therefore, has the oldest and most robust Constitution in history.
September 17th is designated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day with good reason. New citizens take an oath of allegiance promising to “support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.” Members of our armed forces and other government officials promise to do the same.
How then can we celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day? Here are some suggestions for families:
- Fly and display the flag of the United States of America, which is the chief symbol of the Constitution.
- Discuss the importance of our Constitutional form of government.
- Hold a family ceremony to raise the Stars & Stripes that may include reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Discuss how we honor the Constitution and the flag by how as we perform our citizenship duties.
- With the national election less than two months away, study the issues & candidates and then vote.
- The Constitution & Amendments repeatedly guarantees for all citizens the right to vote. Make sure your vote counts.
The Preamble begins with the words, “We the People…,” which declares that the power to govern comes from the people and not from a monarch.
- Read the Constitution starting with the opening paragraph known as the Preamble. It explains the concepts found in the full text.
- Study the Constitution’s principles & guarantees. It may not be written in the most readable fashion, but the meaning of each section and amendment is worth making the effort to understand.
The Constitution of the United States of America is worth
studying, understanding and celebrating.