2026 Constitution Week Spotlight

Constitution Week is observed each year from Sept. 17 to 23, commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. In 2026, as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, Constitution Week offers a special opportunity to look not only at how the Constitution was created, but also at how its principles have shaped the American experience for nearly 240 years.

In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) petitioned Congress to establish an annual Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law on Aug. 2, 1956. Constitution Week has been observed Sept. 17–23 ever since. The 2026 DAR Constitution Week message, “Illuminate Our Constitutional Legacy,” invites us to consider the Constitution’s continuing influence on our rights, government, and responsibilities as citizens.

Join us this week as we illuminate different parts of our constitutional legacy. See how you do at our daily quiz.

On this first day of Constitution Week, we focus on America’s 250th anniversary and the Constitution.

America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 offers a fitting moment to view the Constitution as part of the nation’s larger founding story. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain and expressed the principles that inspired the new nation.

Eleven years later, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to create a stronger government framework. The Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, but it did not take effect immediately. Article VII required nine states to ratify it before it would become established among the states ratifying it. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788. The new federal government began operating in 1789. 

The Constitution represents an important transition in the American story, from declaring independence to creating a government designed to preserve liberty while providing enough national authority to function effectively.

Today’s Quiz:

Which event took place on Sept. 17, 1787?

a) The Declaration of Independence was adopted

b) The Constitution was signed

c) The Bill of Rights was ratified

d) The first presidential election was held

Answer: b) The delegates signed the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

How many states were required to ratify the Constitution before it could take effect among the ratifying states?

a) Seven

b) Nine

c) Eleven

d) Thirteen

Answer: b) Article VII specified ratification by nine states.

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