Celebrate Constitution Day

A recent poll of Americans revealed that less than 25 percent could name one First Amendment freedom, according to information from Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. Another poll found that 59 percent of teenagers know the names of the Three Stooges, but only 41 percent know the three branches of government. Perhaps that’s why the U.S. Congress created Constitution Day.

Last summer, Congress passed a law requiring educational institutions that receive federal funds to hold an informational program regarding the U.S. Constitution. Congress directed that the program take place on Sept. 17 of each year. That date was chosen to commemorate the Sept. 17, 1787 , signing of the Constitution.

Governor Rendell is offering Philadelphia ’s National Constitution Center , located on Independence Mall, as a resource for schools. The center is creating a Constitution Day package that will be available to download from its Web site. The Web site also will contain useful materials and tools for classroom or school-wide activities.

The center’s Web site is www.constitutioncenter.org. Currently, the Constitution Day package is not available, but check back frequently if you are interested in using these materials.

For more information about the federal law, contact Alex Stein at the U.S. Department of Education, (202) 895-9085. Alex.Stein@ed.gov