President Donald Trump has proclaimed Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 as Constitution Week, marking the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and calling for schools and local leaders to teach the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
The proclamation also designates Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, an annual observance established by Congress.
Trump signed the proclamation Wednesday, one day before the anniversary of the Constitution's signing at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787.
Proclamation recalls the document's founding principles
The statement highlighted the Constitution's commitments to representative government, the rule of law, separation of powers and federalism.
It also cited freedoms of speech and religion, equal justice under the law and the Second Amendment among the rights protected by the constitutional system.
Thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution after the Constitutional Convention. The document's preamble set out goals that included forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, providing for the common defense and securing liberty for future generations.
The proclamation said citizenship carries responsibilities alongside constitutional rights, including respect for the rule of law and preservation of the country's institutions.
Trump used the statement to criticize socialism, communism and what he characterized as anti-American rhetoric. Those political claims reflect the administration's position rather than findings established by the proclamation.
Administration ties observance to its policies
The president also connected Constitution Week to his administration's actions on federal law enforcement, education, museums, monuments and economic policy.
He cited an executive order aimed at reversing what the administration calls the weaponization of government. The proclamation said the administration is seeking to limit federal power and prevent citizens from being targeted for their beliefs.
The statement also described efforts to change how American history is presented in federal institutions and schools, framing those actions as a defense of national heritage. It did not provide new program dates, funding amounts or agency instructions beyond the education request for the observance.
Congress designated Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in a joint resolution adopted Feb. 29, 1952. A second resolution, adopted Aug. 2, 1956, requested an annual presidential proclamation for the week beginning Sept. 17.
Trump called on teachers, school administrators and state and local officials to use the week to educate students about constitutional government and citizenship.
The proclamation covers the 251st year of American independence and ends Sept. 23.
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