Constitution Day

Constitution Day, which is celebrated annually on September 17, is a day set aside by Congress to encourage all Americans to learn more about the framework of our country’s founding. It also commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution over 230 years ago on September 17, 1787. 

Ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest Constitution in the world. Starting with “We the People,” the Constitution is 4,543 words and is also the shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. For over two centuries, the Constitution has stood the test of time and continues to be the foundation of democracy and the rights of all Americans. 

The original handwritten Constitution is located in the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., along with the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.