2026 Constitution Week Spotlight

On this final day of Constitution Week, we focus on We the People: A Living Constitutional Legacy.

The Constitution begins with three words that express a fundamental principle of American government: “We the People.” 

The phrase establishes that the Constitution's authority comes from the people. The Constitution has endured because it provides both stability and a lawful means of change. 

Article V establishes the formal amendment process, allowing the Constitution to be changed when broad agreement exists. At the same time, the document’s principles continue to be interpreted and applied as circumstances change.

 Constitution Week is more than a celebration of an old document. It invites us to understand the framework of government, appreciate the rights and liberties the Constitution protects, and recognize the responsibilities of citizenship. As America celebrates 250 years, the Constitution remains part of the nation’s ongoing story, one that belongs to “We the People.”

Today’s Quiz:

What principle do the opening words “We the People” express?

a) Government derives its authority from the people

b) The President has unlimited authority

c) States are independent nations

d) Only elected officials possess constitutional rights

Answer: a) “We the People” expresses popular sovereignty — the principle that government authority comes from the people.

Which article provides the formal process for amending the Constitution?

a) Article I

b) Article III

c) Article V

d) Article VII

Answer: c) Article V establishes the process for proposing and ratifying constitutional amendments.

Thank you for following along during Constitution Week. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we hope these spotlights have helped illuminate the Constitution’s enduring legacy. May they encourage all of us to learn more about our founding documents, appreciate the freedoms and responsibilities of citizenship, and continue preserving our constitutional heritage for future generations. The Constitution belongs to “We the People.” Its story is part of America’s story, and its legacy continues with each generation.

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.