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Today the nation celebrates the 223rd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. That day, thirty-nine delegates gathered in Philadelphia and signed the historic document which establishes the framework for our national government as a Constitutional Republic. On June 21, 1788, the Constitution went into effect after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. Three years later, the Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791.
 
“Our Constitution is a social contract designed to establish the delicate balance of power between the federal government, our state governments and the American people,” said Congressman Posey. “It’s a brilliant document which guarantees our rights as free individuals and I think that’s worth taking a day to celebrate and reflect upon –  a day upon which to renew our commitment.”
 
Constitution Day was originally established with the passage of an amendment to the Omnibus Spending Bill of 2004 sponsored by the late Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. The act directs all schools receiving federal funds to observe the holiday through educational programming pertaining to the United States Constitution. Currently, our nation’s Constitution is on public display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
 
For resources and more information about Constitution Day, visit the Library of Congress HERE or the National Archives HERE.