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American Bar Association President, Linda Klein, discusses the 2016 Constitution Day theme: the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, otherwise known as the Reconstruction Amendments.
The Reconstruction Amendments to the United States Constitution, ratified a century and a half ago in the aftermath of Civil War, have played a critical role in helping to extend the protections and guarantees of the Constitution to all Americans.
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery. The Fourteenth amendment, ratified in 1868, guaranteed that no American would be denied due process and equal protection of the law on the basis of race. The Fifteen Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial of voting rights by race.
This Constitution Day, September 17, 2016, let us reflect on the pivotal role these three amendments played in helping our nation to effectuate the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
This handout contains a selection of constitution preambles from different countries. Exploring constitutions from around the world is a great way to teach about constitutions and their role in governance and societies.
For additional handouts and instructions, visit this Insights on Law & Society Learning Gateway to access a comprehensive lesson plan on constitutional preambles, as well as other lesson plans related to constitution-making.
The ABA Division for Public Education encourages judges to open court on September 17, Constitution Day, with a public statement from the bench on the significance of this crucial document. This model statement was developed by Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee for use by the Maryland judiciary. It is readably adaptable to the needs of any state or federal judiciary.
In 2012, we took our cameras to Kenwood Academy in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and asked students to discuss their views on the U.S. Constitution. See what they had to say!
Make Constitution Day memorable by giving your class or group Pocket Constitutions! Order yours today!
On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution, a written charter for a new federal government. The delegates convened in Philadelphia to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account federal and state interests, as well as individual human rights. Once signed, the Constitution required ratification from at least nine of the 13 states to take effect. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and the Constitution became the law of the land.
In 2005 Congress designated September 17 as a day "to hold educational programs for students" on the Constitution. Authorizing legislation states that all educational institutions and federal agencies receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17-Constitution Day. Constitution Day is a day for ALL Americans to commemorate the Constitution.
Find even more lesson plans at the Civics Renewal Network!
