In 2004, Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to “commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.” Federal law also states that the President may issue a yearly proclamation inviting everyone to celebrate Constitution Day.

By law, “the civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.” It is incredibly important for students (and adults!) to know our Constitution, how it is intended to protect our rights, and how we can hold our elected officials accountable.

Take a few moments to read those documents and be thankful for a country that preserves your freedom. You can download a free copy here. There are so many groundbreaking concepts enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Then, remind your elected representatives that they took an oath to support the Constitution, as it says in Article VI, Clause 3.