CONSTITUTION DAY 2009
September 17 is Constitution Day, a federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution. MIT offers information about the Constitution at this time each year in accordance with federal law.
Founding Fathers
Read short biographies of the signers of the Constitution.
Notable Quotes
George Washington (1732-1799)
"If freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company."
James Madison (1751-1836)
"As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed."
"The happy union of these states is a wonder; their constitution a miracle; their example the hope of LIberty throughout the world."
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing."
"He who knows bests knows how little he knows."
"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power; and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be."
John Adams (1735-1826)
"Let the human mind loose. It must be loosed. It will be loose. Superstition and despotism cannot confine it."
"Old minds are like old horses; you must excercise them if you wish to keep them in working order."
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
"Nothing is certain but death and taxes."
"A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one."
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both"
"If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins."
Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804)
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
"There is a certain enthusiasm in Liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism."
Some of the information gathered here is found in The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About it. To order a copy, visit http://www.constitutionfacts.com
The Constitution
Fascinating facts about our Constitution, including glaring spelling errors, which Presidents actually signed the document, and the controversies that surrounded the signing.
Read a transcript or download high-res images of the Constitution.
Explore the Constitution with searches by keyword, topic, and Supreme Court cases.
Essay: To Form a More Perfect Union
Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitution Timeline (interactive)
Constitution Fun & Games
Try some Constitution activities including a crossword puzzle; a quote-matching game; and a chance to be a 1787 reporter, ask questions of the Founders and report the findings in a news story.
Test Your constitution Knowledge with this interactive quiz!
The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Game
Who Wants to Be a Million Dollar Citizen
The Preamble from Schoolhouse Rock
Constitution Day Webcasts / Audio Streams
Columbia University Seminars on Media and Society
Supreme Court Justices Shed Light on Different Approaches to Interpreting the Constitution
The Constitution, The World's Greatest Deliberative Body with Dr. Richard A. Baker
Introduction to the U.S. Constitution with U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd
League of Women Voters Celebrates Constitution Day
Band of Rights Constitution Day Podcasts
In honor of the Constitution, artist Mike Wilkins assembled this version of its famous preamble, made from personalized license plates he ordered from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It took him nearly a year to correspond with state transportation officials to learn how many letters and numbers were allowed on each plate and getting approval for each one.
Visit the SFS Student Services Center in Room 11-120 on Sept. 17 to get a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution and see a poster of this image, or order your own.
Mike Wilkins (b. 1959), Preamble, 1987, painted metal on vinyl and wood, 96 x 96 in.,
Smithsonian American Art Museum, gift of Nissan Motor Corp.
