On September 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was adopted by delegates to the Constitutional Convention meeting at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After being ratified by nine of the original thirteen states, the U.S. Constitution replaced the first constitution of the U.S. – the Articles of Confederation – on June 21, 1788. The U.S. Constitution provides the basic framework for our national government, including the basic principles of federalism, checks and balances, and separation of powers. Articles 1 through 3 of the U.S. Constitution establish the three branches of the U.S. federal government (legislative, executive, and judicial). The Bill of Rights, which includes freedom of speech and other essential civil liberties enjoyed by all American citizens, is the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. For more information regarding Constitution Day, please contact Dr, Clay Arnold, UCA Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies, carnold@uca.edu or 501-450-3412.
“Constitution Day” Commemoration Event at UCA, September 16, 2025
Public Recitation of the Constitution of the United States of America
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Griffin Planetarium
Previous Constitution Day Commemorations
Important Links:
National Archives – Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights
National Constitution Center – Constitution Day
National Constitution Center – Constitution of the United States (printable)
Findlaw.Com – Amendments to the U.S. Constitution