National Day

Constitution Day And Citizenship Day

Celebrated on 09/17/2026

Quick Fact

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed on September 17, the same day the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787. In 2004, Senator Robert Byrd added a provision to an omnibus spending bill requiring that all educational institutions receiving federal funds teach about the Constitution on this day.

Origins and Establishment of Constitution Day And Citizenship Day

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. The holiday originated as "I Am an American Day" in 1940, created by Congress to celebrate new citizens. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill changing the name to "Citizenship Day" and moving it to September 17. Later, in 2004, Senator Robert Byrd successfully added an amendment to an omnibus spending bill that renamed the day "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day" and mandated that all educational institutions receiving federal funds provide educational programming on the Constitution.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially, the day was primarily a celebration of citizenship. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the Constitution itself. The 2004 amendment significantly expanded its observance, requiring public schools and colleges to teach about the Constitution. Today, federal agencies, schools, and organizations hold events such as naturalization ceremonies, lectures, and essay contests. Many schools incorporate lessons on the Constitution into their curricula on or around September 17.

Facts & General Observations

  • Over 200 million federal dollars are allocated annually to educational institutions that must comply with the Constitution Day mandate.
  • The original Constitution is housed in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., and is viewed by approximately 1 million people each year.
  • Constitution Day is one of the few federal observances that does not grant a day off for federal employees; it is a "legal public holiday" but not a federal holiday in the sense of paid time off.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.