Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a federal observance to recognize the day the Unites States Constitution was adopted and recognize those who have become U.S. Citizens. This day allows educational institutions to educate and inform students and faculty and staff about its importance. It was previously known as Citizenship Day, and commemorates the day the Constitution was signed.
Come celebrate Constitution Day with UH West O`ahu! Look for the red, white, and blue rings the week of September 11, 2023 to September 18, 2023.
- Date: Monday, September 18th 2023.
- Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Location: Outdoor Learning Space
- What you need to know: There will be lots of information surrounding the Constitution, such as voter registration, Campus Security, and books related to the Constitution that can be checked out
- Trivia about the 10 amendments to enter to win a prize!
- More information about the events here!
Constitution FAQS
Signed on September 17th, 1787 and is the fundamental framework of America’s system of government including separation of power, systems of checks and balances, description of duties and purpose, election system, and much more. To find out more visit the National Constitution Center’s Website.
Nope! They are distinct documents but connected in such a way that one was created as an effect of the other. The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 to justify separation from British rule whereas the Constitution was a charter of government that is classified as the supreme law of the land. Both documents were signed at Independence Hall 11 years apart.
The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. The Constitution was written during the Philadelphia Convention (now know as the Constitution Convention) which occurred from May 25th to September 17, 1787. Learn more about Independence Hall!
There were 55 delegates who participated in the months of passionate, thoughtful deliberation in creating the Constitution. Only 39 of the 55 delegates signed the constitution though. While James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” because of his driving force of the convention and his notes on the deliberations that occurred in the several months of creation, there were many other notable contributors who served on the Committee of Detail and the Committee of Style.
It was the first time in history that any country had ever allowed its citizens to choose the government they wanted to be represented by. Democracy has continued to this day to be nourished and defended as the “inspiration that changed the trajectory of world history for the perpetual benefit of mankind” as stated so eloquently by Sandra Day O’Connor in The Constitution; The Essential User’s Guide. The Constitution put all of the power in the hands of the people.
The Ten Amendments
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Learn about the Constitution!
Participate in the UHWO Constitution Events!
10 Amendment Quiz
Participants must achieve an 80% or higher to have their name entered into our drawing to win a prize! Scan the QR code on the side to access the 10 Amendment Quiz. Link to 10 Amendment Quiz.
Students are allowed only 1 submission.
Selfie Challenge
Currently enrolled UH West O’ahu students can take selfies wearing red, white and blue (separately or altogether) and post a selfie on social media with the hashtag “#UHWOConstitutionDay2023“. Please then fill out an informational survey using the following QR code and fill out the requested information. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a prize. Link to Selfie Challenge Participation form.
Students are allowed only 1 submission.
Register to Vote!
Currently enrolled students who have not yet registered to vote, can enter for a chance to win prizes! Simply fill out the form using the following QR code. If you register to vote online, please submit a screenshot of your submission confirmation page once you have completed the registration process. Register to vote here: https://olvr.hawaii.gov/. Link to acknowledge voter registration here. Example of confirmation screenshot: Image.
For in-person participants, please fill out the form once you have been identified as registered by a registration attendant.
Students are allowed only 1 submission.