Constitution Week is celebrated annually from Sept. 17 to 23 to commemorate Sept. 17, 1787, the date the Constitution was signed in convention. (It was ratified on June 21, 1788.) It is the commemoration of America's most important document.

This celebration of the Constitution was begun by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955. The DAR petitioned Congress to set aside this time annually to be dedicated to the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law #915 on Aug. 2, 1956, by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President George W. Bush officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in September 2002.

The Constitution established a federal Democratic republic as our system of government. It is democratic because the people govern themselves and a republic because the government's power is derived from the people. It is the supreme law of the land. It outlines the government's powers, limits on these powers and the rights of citizens. It also outlines an amendment process for any future changes. It has been amended 27 times in the 235 years of its existence, the most recent was in 1992.

The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.

Constitution Week is a great time to learn more about this important document and celebrate the freedoms it gives us.

Joanne H. McCoy

Bayfield