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On September 17, 2009 the nation will celebrate Constitution Day, a day set aside to commemorate the ratification of the United States Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 when thirty-nine delegates signed the historic document. Constitution Day is also recognized as Citizenship Day, an occasion to acknowledge those who are born in the United States or have become citizens by naturalization.

 “First and foremost, our Constitution guarantees our rights as free individuals and I think that’s worth taking a day to both celebrate and reflect upon,” said Congressman Posey. “This brilliant document, written 222 years ago, creates the framework for our Republic and establishes the boundaries of power for the federal government through a series of checks and balances. Every day, the more I learn, the more I appreciate and respect the wisdom of our founding fathers.”

When delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania they had intended to revise the Articles of Confederation. After discussion and debate they determined instead to create a new document. The Constitution establishes the three branches of government, regulates and defines the power and terms of each, outlines the powers of the states, and establishes the relationship of federal and state government directly to the citizens and people of the United States.

Congress established Constitution Day in 2004 by mandating that all schools receiving federal funds observe the holiday through educational programming pertaining to the United States Constitution. This year marks the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, which is currently on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C