On Sept. 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. For more than 200 years,, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights.

Each year, on Sept. 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In addition, September 17-23 is also recognized as Constitution Week. During this time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen.

We also recognize people who are taking steps to become U.S. citizens. To help them prepare, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers study resources for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview and test. The Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship are important in the United States and prospective citizens may see these items in several places on the naturalization test. There are many questions on the civics test on these two topics, such as, “What is the supreme law of the land?” and “What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?”

Positive images of United States citizens of all backgrounds have been used to promote the “Citizenship” element of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The colors (red, white and blue) of the United States flag, as well as images of the flag, have also been used in artwork for promotional material for the day. Painted images of the constitution’s founders are also used to illustrate the importance of the meaning behind the day and the words “We the People,” which are written in the Constitution, have been highlighted in promotional material to symbolize unity and cooperation within the nation.

Image Sources

  • Constitution and Citizenship Day: Shutterstock