Signing of the Constitution painting

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. This document established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms that “We the People” enjoy today.

In 2004, Senator Robert Byrd passed a bill designating September 17 as the day for citizens to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and learn more about our founding document. Senator Byrd once said, "Our ideals of freedom, set forth and realized in our

Constitution, are our greatest export to the world." He added the Constitution Day clause to his 2004 federal spending bill because he believed that all citizens should know about their rights as outlined in the Constitution. This clause mandates the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funds, as well as federal agencies. 

Limestone University Commemorates Constitution Day

Each year since 2004, Limestone University has commemorated Constitution Day on or around September 17 with a variety of activities including voter registration drives, special programming concerning our Constitution and our rights as United States Citizens, and public readings of the Constitution by members of the Limestone and surrounding communities.

Constitution Day 2022

This year, as Constitution Day falls on a Saturday, campus events commemorating this significant day have been scheduled throughout the following weeks.  Please join us for any or all of these events.

  • September 21: Dr. Fred Lux, a retired police investigator and current Limestone University Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, discusses justice, rights, death penalty, and other relative topics with members of the Limestone University Honors College—7:30pm in the Hines and Riggins Center meeting Rooms
  • September 28: Dr. Dale Guffey, an attorney and Limestone University Associate Professor of  Business Law, discusses justice, rights, death penalty, and other relative topics with members of the Limestone University Honors College—7:30pm in the Stevenson Banquet Room
  • November 8: Election Day Events—a series of events designed to share information concerning your rights and how to assert them, and demonstrate Constitutional practices employed on campus; Limestone University’s international student body will participate in a Parade of Nations followed by a discussion on the upcoming International Education Week; a Constitution Fair will be hosted by representatives from Limestone University SGA, the Office of the University Chaplain, healthcare disciplines, social work and mental health disciplines, our international student body, students interested in establishing a Student Senate and others; and SGA will host a Town Hall forum to allow students to discuss their campus life and community in an open forum.

U.S. Constitution Facts

  • The Constitution was amended as recently as 1992.
  • The Constitution has only been amended 17 times since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791.
  • The Constitution originally made the 2nd-place finisher in the presidential election the Vice President.
  • The Constitution originally allowed states to appoint their senators.
  • The Constitution does not specify any requirements for being a Supreme Court Justice.
  • The Constitution originally required the House to have one representative for every 30,000 people.
  • The Constitution gives the president the power to both convene and adjourn Congress.
  • The 9th Amendment says we may have rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution.
  • The 21st Amendment is the only one that specifically overturns an earlier amendment (the 18th).
See the answer

What are the five freedoms mentioned in the 1st Amendment?

Religion, press, speech, Assembly, and Petition

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Which house of Congress has the power to ratify treaties?

The Senate

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The 25th Amendment states presidential nominations to fill vice presidential vacancies must be confirmed by whom?

Confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-25/

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How many reasons for establishing the Constitution are listed in the Preamble?

Six - “a more perfect Union, Justice, domestic tranquility, defense, general Welfare, Blessings of Liberty.”

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What is the minimum age to serve as a Representative in the House?

25 years of age

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What is the minimum age to serve as a Senator?

30 years of age

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What is the minimum age to serve as a President?

35 years of age

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What Amendment grants all persons 18 years of age and older to vote?