|
|
|
 |
NH Bar Association Law Related Education | Constitution Day - September 17, 2012 |  |  This year, 2012, the nation marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The two and a quarter centuries that have elapsed since that great milestone have proven the enduring nature of the Framers’ vision. The U.S. Constitution, which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional democracy, has become an internationally recognized and celebrated model for creating a system of government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Celebrate Constitution Day with an essay contest for students in grades 5-12, sponsored by the state Supreme Court and newspapers serving New Hampshire schools. Essay contest details here.
The NH Bar Association, through the Center for Civic Education, provides an incredible opportunity to help teachers meet this federal mandate, through the "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" and "We the People: Project Citizen" programs.
|
| | | History of Constitution Day | Commemorate Constitution Day 2012 on September 17
On this date in 1787 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution, a written charter for a new--and enduring--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. By June 21, 1788, the Constitution was effective, having been approved by nine of the 13 states.
In 2004, Congress required that all federally-funded schools observe "Constitution Day" by providing students with educational programs about the history and signing of the Constitution.
On December 8, 2004, President George W. Bush signed a bill designating September 17 as Constitution Day (if September 17 falls on a weekend, it may be observed another time around that date).
In May 2005, the US Department of Education, while announcing that all educational institutions receiving federal funding must observe Constitution Day, put forth guidelines stating educators are free to design Constitution Day programming that best addresses the needs of their students.
The goal of celebrating the September 17, 1787 signing of the US Constitution is to engage students in programming that will help them understand that citizen action and participation in government is the backbone of our country.
|
|
|
