On September 17, 1787, that long hot summer came to a close as the final draft of the Constitution of the United States of America was presented before the delegates. The final act was to sign it and therefore declare approval. Only 39 of the delegates signed it - some were absent and others declined because it contained no statement of personal rights.

Senator Robert Byrd (D - West Virginia), out of his concern for today’s students’ lack of knowledge of and appreciation for the basic principle of the U.S. Constitution, amended a law that requires all public schools to recognize and celebrate Sept. 17 as Constitution Day with lessons and activities to build the knowledge and appreciation for that document and the men who created it. 


This day will be gladly celebrated at Union City Middle School on Mon., Sept 18!

*Rhode Island was the only state to not send delegates to the Philadelphia (Constitutional) Convention.

 

The Summer of 1787 was hot in Philadelphia. Unfortunately for the 55 prominent Americans from twelve states* sent as delegates to what they called the Philadelphia Convention, they had to be cooped up in the State House with the windows and doors closed in order to maintain secrecy. What resulted would have a profound impact on the future of the world.

Other Prominent Delegates


Benjamin Franklin, PA

Oldest Delegate


George Washington, VA

President of the Convention


Roger Sherman, CT

Fought for Small States


Alexander Hamilton, VA

Promoter of Federalism


George Mason, VA*

Fought for Bill of Rights

*Did not sign the Constitution


Constitutional Principles

  1. 1.Federalism

  2. 2.Separation of Powers

  3. 3.Checks and Balances

  4. 4.States’ Rights

  5. 5.Popular Sovereignty


Constitutional Links

Interactive Constitution

National Archives - Constitution

Justice Learning

 

“This was not, like the fabled Goddess of Wisdom, the offspring of a single brain.  It ought to be regarded as the work of many heads and many hands."

~ James Madison, “Father of the Constitution”

September 17, 1787

Mr. Lawrence Bruce, Union City Community Schools

Last Updated: 5/15/08