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American Founders Month and Constitution Week

American Founders Month and Constitution Week

American Constitution - We the people
American Founders Month: September

Constitution Day: September 17

Constitution Week: September 17 - 23

Celebrate Freedom Week: Last full week in September

Constitution Week is the commemoration of America's most important document. It is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23. The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. 

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR* petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23, annually, to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Education Resources

Library of Congress

 

National Archives

 

National Constitution Center

 

Bill of Rights Institute

 

U.S. Department of Education

 

Florida Department of Education

 

Daughters of the American Revolution

 

Fun Facts

  • The Constitution was written in the Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Army. It is now called Independence Hall.
  • Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17th, but it wasn't until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states.
  • The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries.
  • The Constitution was placed with the Department of State in 1789 and stayed in its custody until 1921, when it was transferred to the Library of Congress. It was exhibited there from 1924 until 1954, when it came to the National Archives. The original Constitution is now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

 

Constitution Conversation Video Series

Election 2020 Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus
Meet Julie Marcus the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. She tells us the role of elections within the framework of the constitution and how it guides her job as Supervisor of Elections in Pinellas County.
U.S. District Judge Barber talks about Supreme Court and Federal Court
United States Middle District of Florida Judge, Thomas Barber talks about the Constitutional elements of the Federal court system and his appointment and confirmation process.
How the in-person Voting Process works
Liz Lebron from the Pinellas County Supervisor's Office shows us the step by step process of in-person voting.
The Naturalization Process
Inguna Ozols, an English language teacher at the Clearview Adult Education Center, talks about the U.S. naturalization process and the skills students need to pass the test.
Largo High seniors learn about the election process
Largo High School seniors learn about the importance of participating in our current election.
Pinellas County Schools prepare for Constitution Day
In this video we see how the Pinellas County Schools is preparing for Constitution Day with a series of interviews with local elected officials who talk about the importance of the constitution and a 19th Amendment anniversary display at Largo High School.
What students need to know about the Constitution!
Pinellas County government leaders tell students what they need to know about the U.S. Constitution and the importance to learning about it's origin and why it is so important in our everyday life.
Learning about Constitutional Checks and Balances with Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch
In this episode of Pinellas County Schools Constitutional Conversations, Commissioner Ken Welch talks about the different branches of government and the checks and balances in place to maintain the separation of powers in the federal government.
Learning about the Judicial Branch with Judge Patrice Moore-Constitutional Conversations
6th Judicial Circuit Judge Patrice Moore talks about the role of the judiciary, checks and balances and her career pathway to the bench.
Pinellas Park Mayor Sandra Bradbury talks about how city governments use
Pinellas Park Mayor Sandra Bradbury talks about she uses the powers of the executive branch to operate the city government.
Learning about the Legislative Branch with Florida Representative Chris Sprowls and Ben Diamond
Florida Representatives Chris Sprowls and Ben Diamond from Pinellas County, talk about the role of the legislation at both the state and national level.
Congressman Charlie Crist talks about the three branches of governement
Charlie Crist talks about the three branches of government as it relates to the U.S. Constitution.
Constitution Conversations
Pinellas County government leaders discuss the importance of the Constitution.

Section 683.1455, Florida Statutes (F.S.), designates the month of September annually as “American Founders' Month.” Section 1003.44, F.S., encourages public schools to coordinate instruction at all grade levels related to the nation’s founders.

Florida Statute Section 1003.421, F.S., requires public school districts to commemorate the founding principles of our nation during the last full week of September. This week should include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents.

Required Instruction: Section 1003.42 (2)(b) The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and amendments thereto, with emphasis on each of the 10 amendments that make up the Bill of Rights and how the constitution provides the structure of our government.