Constitutional Day 2024

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the U.S. Constitution, the foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework of the federal government and delineating the rights of citizens. It replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had proven inadequate in addressing the needs of the young nation. The Constitution is structured around the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. It divides the government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with distinct powers and responsibilities. This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful, maintaining a balance of power across the federal government.

The Constitution also includes the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, ratified in 1791, which guarantees essential freedoms and protections to individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the rights to a fair trial and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Over the years, the Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the most recent amendment in 1992. These amendments reflect American society's evolving values and needs, demonstrating the Constitution's enduring ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its core principles of democracy and justice.

To honor Constitutional Day, the College of Business Legal Resource Center will distribute free U.S. Constitutions outside Room 441 at the College of Business. 

For more information, go to Constitutional Day.

This article is for educational purposes only.