Criminal Law Library Blog
Constitution Day is one of our most important holidays because it commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, our most foundational document, on September 17, 1787 by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It is perplexing to note that the commemoration of such an important event in our history is not observed more broadly as one of our national holidays.
As Kathleen Hal Jameson writes in her article, What Constitution Day Means and Why it Matters: “For almost three quarters of a century, advocates have worked to give comparable federal stature to September 17, the day on which we celebrate the anniversary of the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution by the nation’s founders. As President John F. Kennedy noted in his 1961 Constitution Day proclamation, it is a day for ‘ceremonies’ set up to ‘inspire all our citizens to keep the faith of our Founding Fathers and to carry out the ideals of United States citizenship’
I celebrated by leading a discussion about Constitution Day, centered on the question: Is now the moment for a new Constitutional Convention? The following links provide the materials used during the session, along with a Concluding Statement capturing the unanimous agreement of the group
Is it Time for a New Constitutional Convention? (Including references linked)
Concluding Statement agreed upon by all participants:
The question of whether to convene a new U.S. Convention is complex and multifaceted. While there are compelling arguments for addressing contemporary challenges through a new convention, there are equally valid concerns about the potential risks and unintended consequences. Given the historical adaptability of the Constitution through amendments, many believe that the existing process remains sufficient.
Ultimately, the decision to convene a new Convention should not be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration, broad consensus, and a deep understanding of the potential implications for the future of the nation. As the United States continues to face Significant challenges, the values and principles upon which the country was founded must guide any decisions regarding constitutional reform