WASHINGTON — Schools across the country are mobilizing Wednesday to mark the 1787 signing of the charter that established the federal government. So is Constitution Day a genuine teaching moment with lasting impact, or a gimmick with no afterlife?
It’s both, said Stephen Wermiel, a professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, who has mixed feelings about the annual Sept. 17 event meant to shore up civic education.
“If Constitution Day becomes a substitute for people learning about the Constitution more regularly and broadly, that’s an outrage. If Constitution Day adds to people’s understanding and gives you a moment to contemplate the Constitution while you are otherwise learning about it, great.” His view: “I think we are seeing more of the one-shot moment.”
In 2004, Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., a constitutional expert, decided to beef up education about the Constitution. Near the end of a 660-page appropriations bill, he inserted language that required all schools that receive federal funds — universities included — to provide a program on the Constitution each year on or about Sept. 17.
That civic education in U.S. schools is lacking is no secret; surveys show that most Americans know very little about the document.
About a decade ago, major Washington-area universities agreed to collaborate on a doctorate in constitutional studies. So far, nobody has earned one. Why? There aren’t enough courses in the region to put together a quality program, one scholar said.
Wermiel sees the problem every year.
“When I teach first-year law students constitutional law in the spring of their first year, it is not uncommon for me to make a joke, saying, ‘You all know how a bill gets passed,’ ” he said. “And there is kind of tittering in the room. They seem to have some vague recollection that maybe back in eighth grade, they might have studied it.”
The subject gets serious attention in Keith Knott’s third-grade class at Nottingham Elementary School in Arlington, Va. His students write a class constitution on parchment, with a big quill pen and ink and learn about rights and responsibilities.
“The day gives me a chance to show the kids the importance of government,” Knott said.
Other students have taken little note of Sept. 17.
“Honestly, I had never heard of Constitution Day until you brought it up,” said Sarah Cox-Shrader, 18, a senior at Wilson High School in Washington, who said her teachers have given her a good grounding in the document. “I think this kind of civic education is really important, but I’m not sure how much good a day like that would do.”
Constitutionally underinformed
Most Americans don’t know much about the Constitution:
• 28 percent know more than one of the five fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: the freedoms of religion and speech; of the press; to assemble peaceably; and to petition for redress of grievances.
• 1 in 1,000 can name all five.
• 20 percent think the First Amendment guarantees the right to own a pet.
• But: 52 percent of Americans can name at least two main characters in “The Simpsons” television show, and 22 percent can name all five (Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie).
Source: 2006 survey by the nonprofit McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum in Chicago
Civics quiz
1) Why did delegates gather in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787?
a) To write the Declaration of Independence
b) To amend the Articles of Confederation
c) To write the Pledge of Allegiance
2) Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?
a) Virginia
b) Delaware
c) Maryland
3) The first day Congress conducted business under the Constitution was April 6, 1789. What else did it do?
4) What portion of states is required to ratify an amendment to the Constitution?
a) One-half
b) Two-thirds
c) Three-fourths
5) True or False: The vice president is president of the Senate and has full voting privileges.
6) True or False: The Constitution does not require the speaker of the House to be a member of the body.
7) Who did not sign the Constitution?
a) Thomas Jefferson
b) Alexander Hamilton
c) Daniel Carroll
8) What is the total length of time a president can serve?
a) Eight years
b) 10 years
c) 11 years
9) Which amendment guarantees trial by jury?
10) True or False: The House has approved an amendment prohibiting physical desecration of the American flag, but the Senate has not.
(Scroll down to reveal the answers)
Answers: 1) b; 2) b; 3) Count ballots cast earlier and declare George Washington the first president; 4) c; 5) False; 6) True; 7) a; 8) b; 9) the Sixth; 10) True
Sources: “We the Students,” by Jamie B. Raskin; /107.htm; /constitution/quiz/; www
