Constitution Day

For much of my career in radio and podcasting, the US Constitution has been a focal point. I am obsoletely fascinated by its history and the process by which it came to be our supreme law.

The biggest myth today vis-à-vis the Constitution is that it was somehow preordained or “easy” to create and to implement. Nothing, and I mean nothing is further from the truth. What seems to us today with 20/20 historical hindsight as a foregone conclusion was a very touch and go thing, with equally as powerful arguments against the Constitution as for it.

Over the past fourteen years, Constitution Thursday has been a big part of my life and my show. And while September 17th is a landmark day, it is important to note that it was not the end. It was… to borrow a phrase… the end of the beginning…

On September 17, 1787, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded within the walls of the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. This was the day when delegates to the Constitutional Convention, after months of intense debate and compromise, gathered to put pen to paper and sign the United States Constitution. However, the signing was not without its controversies, and the path to ratification was yet to be paved. In this article, we delve into the events of September 17, 1787, the dissenting voices, and the plans for the Constitution’s ratification.

The Constitutional Convention had convened on May 25, 1787, with the primary goal of revising the Articles of Confederation, which had proven ineffective in governing the young United States. However, as discussions progressed, it became apparent that a new constitution was needed. Over the ensuing months, delegates from the thirteen states debated and crafted the framework of what would become the U.S. Constitution.

On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the Constitution was presented for signing. Thirty-nine of the fifty-five delegates who had attended the convention signed the document. Among the most prominent signatories were George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. The signing ceremony marked a crucial step towards creating a stronger federal government for the United States.

While a majority of delegates signed the Constitution, several notable figures refused to do so. The most prominent of these dissenters were Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts and George Mason of Virginia. Their objections primarily revolved around concerns related to individual rights and the absence of a Bill of Rights within the Constitution.

Gerry, who had initially supported the Constitution’s drafting, became disillusioned with the final document’s lack of safeguards for individual liberties. He believed that without a Bill of Rights, the new government would have the potential to infringe upon citizens’ rights.

George Mason, an influential figure in the Constitutional Convention, had similar reservations. He argued that the Constitution granted too much power to the federal government without adequate checks and balances. Mason’s concerns echoed those of Patrick Henry, who was not a convention delegate but was a vocal opponent of the Constitution.

Following the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, the document was sent to the states for ratification. The ratification process proved arduous and contentious. To facilitate ratification, supporters of the Constitution, known as Federalists, engaged in a series of debates and published the Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Ultimately, the Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve it, as stipulated by the Constitution’s Article VII. This marked the birth of the new federal government, which officially commenced on March 4, 1789, when the first Congress convened.

September 17, 1787, stands as a pivotal day in American history, as the delegates of the Constitutional Convention gathered to sign the document that would lay the foundation for the United States’ federal government. While not all voices were in unanimous support, the Constitution would go on to shape the nation’s destiny, and the dissenting voices would ultimately contribute to the adoption of the Bill of Rights, protecting the individual liberties that had been a subject of concern during those early debates. The ratification of the Constitution paved the way for the birth of the United States as a federal republic.

Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. The celebration of this day is rooted in the legislative process. In 2004, Senator Robert Byrd, a staunch advocate of constitutional literacy, proposed an amendment to an omnibus spending bill. This amendment designated September 17th as Constitution Day and required all schools and federal agencies to observe it. President George W. Bush signed the amendment into law on December 8, 2004, making Constitution Day a federal observance.

Constitution Day serves several important purposes:

1. Educational Focus: One of the primary goals of Constitution Day is to promote civic education and awareness. Schools and educational institutions across the United States use this day to teach students about the Constitution, its history, and its significance in shaping the nation’s government and principles.

2. Reflecting on Democracy: Constitution Day encourages Americans to reflect on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and individual rights enshrined in the Constitution. It provides an opportunity for citizens to appreciate the enduring relevance of the Constitution in shaping the nation’s values and institutions.

3. Naturalization Ceremonies: Constitution Day is a fitting occasion for the naturalization of new U.S. citizens. Many naturalization ceremonies are held on this day, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution to the nation’s diverse population.

4. Presidential Proclamation: Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation recognizing Constitution Day and encouraging citizens to engage in activities that promote an understanding of the Constitution’s role in American history and government.

In conclusion, Constitution Day in the United States serves as an annual reminder of the importance of the U.S. Constitution in shaping the nation’s history, government, and values. It provides an opportunity for citizens, particularly students, to deepen their understanding of this foundational document and the principles it upholds. It is a celebration of American democracy, civic engagement, and the enduring legacy of the Constitution.