Governor Jan Brewer has issued a proclamation declaring September 17-23, 2011, “Constitution Week” in remembrance of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
“The U.S. Constitution was groundbreaking. It not only established a new government but – more importantly – it set forth the very framework of limited federal government and American liberty guaranteed to this nation’s citizens,” said Governor Brewer. “This week, we celebrate the supreme law of the land created by and for ‘we the people.’”
Among the most significant features of the Constitution are the establishment of the rule of law and the separation of powers into three branches of government, with provisions for checks and balances to limit the ability of one branch to become more powerful than any other. Because its authority and content are derived from the people, the Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights, sets the United States apart from other nations as the ultimate symbol of freedom and democracy.
On August 2, 1956, Congress requested that the President of the United States proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week.” Involvement from federal, state and local officials is encouraged as well.