The signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention marked a defining moment in American history. It laid the foundation for a government based on democratic principles and the rule of law. It established the framework for the federal government, delineated the powers reserved to the states, and guaranteed fundamental rights to individuals. The principles enshrined in the Constitution continue to guide the nation’s progress and serve as a touchstone for justice, equality, and freedom, both in the United States and in democratic nations worldwide.
We celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17 because it’s the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. This day honors the creation of the document that shaped our country and reminds us how important it is to understand our rights and responsibilities as citizens. (National Endowment for the Humanities: Commemorating Constitution Day)
Photo Credit: US Constitution Preamble Drawing (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
George Washington (1732-1799) was one of Virginia's delegates to the Constitutional Convention, a signer of the Constitution, and the first president of the United States of America. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)
During Benjamin Franklin's lifetime (1706-1790) he held many different careers including printer, inventor, and politician. At 81 years old, he was the oldest signer of the Constitution. In the final year of his life he introduced a bill to Congress outlawing slavery, his last public act. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons (PDM 1.0)
Representing New Jersey at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Jonathan Dayton (1760-1824) was the youngest signer of the Constitution. Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing, LC-DIG-hec-16521
Alexander Hamilton (ca. 1755-1804) was New York state's delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and a signer of the Constitution. He was also a coauthor of The Federalist Papers and the first secretary of the Treasury. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons (PDM 1.0, PD-US)
As a representative from Virginia, James Madison (1751-1836), played a key role in guiding the Constitution through the Continental Congress. He later served as the fourth president of the United States. Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-16960
Robert Morris (1734-1806) was one of only two men to sign all three of the country's founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons (PDM 1.0, PD-US)
