Constitution Day

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 is Constitution Day, which according to the official Constitution Day website, is the day for us to “Celebrate the Birthday of Our Government!” And because we all like celebrations here, we will be stretching it out with two exciting events.

First, our colleagues in the Political Science and Public Administration Department will discuss the constitution. Specifically, Dr. Jo Arney will interview Dr. Alan Bigel on his thoughts about the constitution. The title of the conversation is “States’ Rights vs. National Uniformity.” Please join us for what proves to be a very interesting dialogue at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 17 in 259 Cartwright Center. As all conversations go better with food and drink, cookies, coffee and punch will be provided.

Second, just one week later, the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department is hosting a campus visit by Dr. Linda K. Kerber from the University of Iowa. Dr. Kerber will be presenting “Why Diamonds Really Are a Girl's Best Friend -- Putting the Constitution into Practice" September 25, 7:00 p.m. in 332 Cartwright Center. Dr. Kerber is the author of No Constitutional Right to Be Ladies: Women and the Obligations of Citizenship (1998) for which she was awarded the Littleton-Griswold Prize for the best book in U.S. legal history and the Joan Kelley Prize for the best book in women's history (both awarded by the American Historical Association).

Public Welcome!

Background

President George W. Bush signed a bill on December 8th, 2004 which designates every September 17th as Constitution Day. Many organizations will be participating in constitutional education programs on this day. Click here for a pdf version of the Constitution.

The United States Constitution is the oldest written national constitution currently in effect and was signed by 39 of the 55 Founding Fathers on September 17th, 1787. It set up the U.S. government and adopted the concept of checks and balances by developing three components – Congress, the President, and the Courts. It adapts to our changing society through the addition of amendments. The first 10 amendments are referred to as the “Bill of Rights.” 

Want to learn more? Here are some great sites.

If you’d like to know more about the creation of Constitution Day and other ways that colleges and universities are celebrating the day, click here for a pdf report from NASPA.