ConstitutiConstitution Dayon DayWhy We Celebrate Why We Celebrate

the Words We Live the Words We Live ByBy

It’s the LawIt’s the Law• All schools that receive federal monies All schools that receive federal monies

must “hold an educational program must “hold an educational program pertaining to the United States pertaining to the United States Constitution on September 17 each Constitution on September 17 each year.”year.”

• This is mandated by the U.S. This is mandated by the U.S. Department of EducationDepartment of Education

How it became a lawHow it became a law• This law was fathered by Sen.

Robert C. Byrd (D-W.VA)

• He was worried that so many people don’t know anything about the country’s governing document

• He decided to come up with a way for people learn about the U.S. Constitution

Schools Aren’t the Only Schools Aren’t the Only OnesOnes

• The law also says that every federal employee in the executive branch must receive “educational and training” materials about the charter on Constitution Day.

September 17September 17

• This date was chosen because the Constitutional Congress held it’s final meeting that day in 1787 to sign the Constitution of the United States of America.

What’s on the program?What’s on the program?

• The law does not specify or give details about what the “educational program” must be.

That’s Unconstitutional!That’s Unconstitutional!• It does not provide for an air force.• Congressional districts are not mentioned• The Electoral College is not referred to.• Executive orders have been around a long time, but

they aren’t mentioned either.• Executive privilege may not be a right.• Freedom of expression—is it the same as freedom of

speech, petition and/or assembly?• God, Creator, Jesus, and Lord weren’t part of it

(except the date).• Innocent until proven guilty is not codified in the

text.• “It’s a free country” is never stated.

It’s not there!It’s not there!• “We hold these truths to be self-

evident, that all men are created equal.”

• “Of the people, by the people, for the people.”

• “No taxation without representation!”

• “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

National ArchivesNational Archives

SourcesSources• http://www.washingtonpost.com• http://www.education-world.com• http://www.usconstitution.net• http://www.archives.gov/