Constitution Week spotlight

In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution to set aside Sept. 17 to Sept. 23 for the observance of Constitution Week.

The first day of Constitution Week coincides with the anniversary of the date the U.S. Constitution was approved by the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787. The annual celebration was established when signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Aug. 2, 1956. This year marks our 67th observance of Constitution Week.

As we attempt to enlighten the public about historical events surrounding the establishment of the Constitution and the men who framed the document, let’s see how well you know your Constitution. See if you can answer these three questions:

1) The framers of the Constitution implemented an idea known as “separation of powers” which:

a. separates power between the government and the people

b. gives different powers to each branch of the government

c. separates outgoing government officials from their former positions

2) The framers designed a system whereby powers not delegated to the central government were left to the states or the people. What is this system of shared power called?

a. United Powers

b. the Great Compromise

c. federalism

3) The U.S. Constitution guarantees which form of government to every state in the Union?

a. a republic

b. a democracy

c. government of the people, by the people, for the people

This Constitution Week Spotlight was provided by Lieutenant George Farragut Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information about DAR, please visit the chapter’s website at lgfdar.com.

Answers: 1) b. gives different powers to each branch of the government; 2) c. federalism; 3) a. a republic