Constitution Day

Excelsior University is proud to join educational institutions throughout the United States in honoring our great Constitution by celebrating the anniversary of its completion on September 17, 1787. The signing of this document marked the unification of 13 previously semi-independent states. It is this Constitution which preserves our freedoms and protects our rights; it also guides and supports Excelsior University’s mission to provide educational opportunity. On September 17, Constitution Day, we encourage our students and friends to join us in honoring this cornerstone of American democracy and constitutional law.

September 17 is Constitution Day

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION

• Only 39 of the original 55 delegates signed the Constitution.
• Their average age was 42.
• George Mason, Edmund Randolph and Elbridge Gerry all refused to sign what they believed was a “flawed” document.
• The Constitution was written and signed in 1787, but it wasn’t until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states.
• The first national “Thanksgiving Day,” established on November 26, 1789, was originally created by George Washington as a way of giving thanks for the Constitution.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION

• The Library of Congress provides information about, and links to the 277 documents relating to the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
• The Charters of Freedom page from the National Archives provides an overview of the Constitution’s content and lets you view a scan of the document, read transcripts, see amendments and more.