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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

History · Commemorative · September 17

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day honors the US Constitution and the people who hold American citizenship, whether by birth or by naturalization.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day falls on Friday, September 17, 2027. That is 325 days away.

The United States Constitution is a short document for what it carries. It sets out how the national government is built, divides power among three branches, and lists rights in its amendments. This day pairs that document with the people it serves, the citizens who live under it.

The two names fit together naturally. One half looks at the text itself: the preamble that begins with "We the People," the articles that describe Congress, the presidency and the courts, and the amendments added over time, including the Bill of Rights. The other half looks at citizenship, which is shared by people born in the country and by people who chose it and took an oath to become Americans.

Schools often mark the occasion with lessons on how the Constitution works, and many classrooms read the preamble aloud. Libraries and civic groups may host readings or displays. Naturalization ceremonies, where new citizens take the Oath of Allegiance, are a common and moving part of the day in many communities.

The original document is kept at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where visitors can see it in person. For anyone farther away, the full text is easy to find and takes less time to read than most people expect. The preamble alone is a single sentence.

Ways to celebrate

• Read the full text of the Constitution, including the amendments.
• Attend a local naturalization ceremony if one is open to the public.
• Read the preamble aloud with family or friends.
• Look for a library display or civic talk about the Constitution.
• Write a welcome note to someone who recently became a citizen.

Dates

Categories: History daysCommemorative days