Constitution Day

Constitution Day is celebrated each year on September 17 to commemorate the September 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution. The day was originally proposed by the Daughters of the American revolution with the purpose of informing people about the constitution of America’s heritage, encouraging the study of historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution, and emphasizing citizen responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution. In 1956, President Eisenhower signed into law Constitution Week which runs September 17–23, to commemorate the ratification of the Constitution.   

Any educational institution that receives federal funding is required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students.

2022 Celebration

Constitution Day will be celebrated on September 16, 2022. Alumni Engagement, Office of Governmental Relations, and the Center for Civic Engagement are hosting a special Lunch with the Legislators for students and Illinois legislators to discuss higher education related public policy. Event attendance is currently full. Any student wishing to be put on the waitlist should email Joshua Crockett.

All members of the Illinois State community are encouraged to participate in the American Democracy Project's National Constitution Day of Conversation. Designed to reach across difference, this is a space for open discussion of the U.S. Constitution. This national facilitated dialogue is based on the fundamental value of the pursuit of knowledge for the public good. There will be access to information about the U.S. Constitution and a Kahoot! game about the Constitution, but you need not be an expert to enjoy this event and to share in the lively conversation. The event is open to all higher education students, faculty, and staff. This event is Friday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. CST/2:00 p.m. EST. It is a free online event, but requires registration.

Also stop by the Center for Civic Engagement anytime for a copy of the pocket Constitution or look for them throughout campus September 12 - 16.