Happy Constitution Day, Omaha! On this day, we celebrate one of the most important documents in American history—the United States Constitution. As we gather to honor the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, this holiday gives us the opportunity to reflect on the principles that form the foundation of our nation’s government. Here in the Omaha metro area, we value the freedoms and protections the Constitution ensures, and today is the perfect time to explore its significance.

A Brief History of Constitution Day

Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, marks the anniversary of the final signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia. After months of debate, deliberation, and compromise, 39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention signed the final version of the document that would shape the government of the United States.

However, it wasn’t until 2004 that Constitution Day became an official federal observance. The late Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia introduced legislation that required publicly funded educational institutions to provide programming on the history of the Constitution every September 17. His goal was to ensure that Americans of all ages understood the significance of this foundational document.

The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation and laid out a framework for a stronger federal government while balancing power between the states. The Preamble, which begins with the iconic phrase "We the People," signals the Constitution’s focus on the will and rights of the people. This historic document has been amended 27 times, including the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, which safeguard fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

7 Fun Facts About the U.S. Constitution

1. The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use – Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, the Constitution has stood the test of time, serving as a model for many other nations drafting their own constitutions.

2. It wasn’t always easy to get everyone to agree – The Constitution was a compromise between many different factions, with debates on how much power should be given to the federal government versus individual states. It took months of negotiation, and even after signing, some states were hesitant to ratify it.

3. It’s shorter than you might think – The entire Constitution, including all 27 amendments, totals about 7,600 words. You could read it in under an hour!

4. The Bill of Rights was added later – Though the Constitution was signed in 1787, the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were not ratified until 1791. These amendments protect individual liberties and are essential to the Constitution as we know it today.

5. James Madison is considered the “Father of the Constitution” – Madison played a critical role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His ideas on checks and balances and federalism shaped much of the document.

6. Some Founding Fathers didn’t sign it – Not everyone agreed with the final version of the Constitution. Three key figures, including Edmund Randolph and George Mason, refused to sign it, mainly due to the lack of a bill of rights at the time.

7. It has inspired more than 100 constitutions around the world – The U.S. Constitution has been a model for many countries developing their own democratic governments. Its influence can be seen in constitutions around the globe.

6 Things You May Not Know About the Constitution

1. The Constitution doesn’t specifically mention “democracy” – While the document lays out the framework for a government of elected representatives, the word “democracy” never actually appears in the text of the Constitution.

2. The original Constitution allowed for some undemocratic practices – For instance, the process of electing U.S. Senators was originally left to state legislatures, not the people. The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed this to direct election by the people.

3. The Supreme Court wasn’t initially seen as powerful as it is today – The Constitution established the Supreme Court, but it took a landmark case—Marbury v. Madison in 1803—for the Court to assert its power of judicial review, the ability to declare laws unconstitutional.

4. It doesn’t include the word “slavery” until the 13th Amendment – While slavery was a contentious issue at the Constitutional Convention, the document avoids the word “slavery” altogether, instead using terms like “other persons” or “persons held to service.” The 13th Amendment, passed in 1865, finally abolished slavery.

5. There’s a loophole in the presidential veto – If the president doesn’t sign or veto a bill within 10 days, and Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. However, if Congress adjourns within those 10 days, the bill does not become law—a situation known as a “pocket veto.”

6. Prohibition was both added and repealed by amendments – The 18th Amendment, passed in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. It was later repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, making it the only time a constitutional amendment has been repealed.

Celebrating Constitution Day in Omaha

As we commemorate Constitution Day in the Omaha metro, there are plenty of ways to celebrate our freedoms and educate ourselves on the importance of the Constitution. Schools across Omaha, Elkhorn, Bellevue, Papillion, and surrounding areas will be hosting educational programs to engage students with the history and significance of this foundational document.

For adults, there are events and discussions at local libraries and community centers that offer a deeper dive into the Constitution’s impact on our modern legal system and everyday lives. You could also explore resources online or take the time to read the Constitution in full. It's always insightful to revisit the words that continue to shape our democracy.

Final Thoughts

Constitution Day is a reminder of the importance of civic education and the role we all play in preserving the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to learn more about the document that defines our country, there’s no better time to explore the Constitution than today.

Take a moment to reflect on the rights and liberties we enjoy, and how the Constitution has been a living document, evolving with amendments to meet the needs of a changing nation.

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