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When a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice writes a children's book about the founding era because civic literacy has collapsed in America, it's time to pay attention. Justice Neil Gorsuch's new book, Heroes of 1776, co-authored with Janie Nitze, was inspired by what he called a "staggering decline" in civic literacy across the country. His message is clear: Americans — young and old — no longer know the documents that define their freedom. That's exactly why The 917 Society e

September 17 is Constitution Day, and this year it lands during America's 250th anniversary celebration. That's not just a date on the calendar it's a once-in-a-generation moment to make constitutional literacy real for your students. If you're a teacher planning your Constitution Day lesson, you're probably asking: How do I make this meaningful? How do I help students actually connect with our founding document? The answer starts with something tangible. Students remember

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we have an opportunity to ask a simple question: Has the federal government remained faithful to the constitutional principles upon which our Republic was founded? The Constitution created a federal government of limited, enumerated powers. Our Founders did not establish a government to solve every problem or fund every worthy cause. They created a government accountable to the people, restrained by the Constitution, and limite

America just celebrated its 250th birthday. And something unexpected happened: the nation remembered that civics matters. This past week, while fireworks lit up the sky over America, a different kind of spark ignited across the country. The Trump Administration launched the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Education Secretary Linda McMahon crowned the first-ever Presidential 1776 Award winner a homeschooled 17-year-old from Wyoming named Miriam Washut who beat out tho

This year is not a normal year. In 2026, the United States turns 250. The semiquincentennial is one of the most significant civic moments in a generation — and for educators teaching 8th-grade civics, it is one of the greatest opportunities you will ever have in a classroom.

On this extraordinary Fourth of July, we're celebrating 250 years of freedom and the timeless document that protects it. This fall, the 917 Society will place our 250th Anniversary Edition pocket Constitution into the hands of 8th graders across all 50 states. Because the best way to honor America's birthday is to pass the torch. Happy Independence Day! #America250 #HappyFourthofJuly #ConstitutionDay #917Society #PocketConstitution #CivicEducation" Twitter/X: #Happy 250

Tomorrow, America turns 250. Fireworks. Parades. Cookouts. And a brand-new Cato Institute poll that should make every American pause: nearly half of Americans dont know what our 250th anniversary is actually celebrating. Thats a problem and it starts with our students. If the next generation doesnt understand the Constitution, they cant defend it. They cant build on it. And they cant carry it forward. Thats why a pocket constitution book for students isnt just a nice idea

Learn how to get free pocket Constitutions for your 8th grade classroom during America's 250th anniversary — no cost, no strings, shipped directly to your school.

Discover how teachers nationwide are preparing Constitution Day 8th grade programs and how to request free pocket Constitutions for your classroom — no cost, no strings attached.

One of the unexpected blessings of traveling is meeting people whose stories remind you what truly makes America exceptional. Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for the premiere of Young Washington and to attend a meeting with Secretary Linda McMahon at the U.S. Department of Education. As Founder of The 917 Society, I spend much of my time talking about the importance of Constitution education and civic responsibility. Little did I know that one of the most memorable

As America approaches its 250th birthday, civics education is being reborn. Learn how supporting constitutional literacy programs funds free pocket Constitutions for 8th graders nationwide.

The American Enterprise Institute released a major report titled "America at 250: Surveying Change and Continuity on Civic Values." The finding? Americans across demographic groups still embrace many ideals of the American founding — but their actual knowledge of historical milestones is incomplete. As we approach July 4, 2026, and America's 250th anniversary, the gap between what we value and what we understand has never been more visible. This is the moment for America 250

Five rural educators selected for the National Constitution Center's inaugural civics fellowship. Discover why pocket constitution books for students are transforming rural classrooms and how you can support the mission.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, civics education is experiencing a revival. Learn why teaching founding documents matters and how schools are building constitutional literacy.

America 250 is reshaping civics education. Universities are launching immersive constitutional programs. States are opening Constitution centers. Schools are planning Constitution Day events. And across the country, educators are asking the same question: How do I get my students actually reading the Constitution itself—not a summary, not someone else's interpretation, but the real thing? The answer is simpler than you think. For years, civics teachers have faced a practica

America's 250th birthday is more than fireworks and speeches. It's a moment when educators, policymakers, and communities across the country are asking a fundamental question: What does it mean to be a citizen in 2026? And that question is surfacing a problem that has been quietly growing for decades. Most Americans—including many high schoolers and college students—have never actually read the Constitution. Not a summary. Not someone else's interpretation. The real thing.

America's 250th birthday is coming—and it's sparking a nationwide movement around america 250 civics education. Universities are launching immersive programs. States are opening civics centers. The National Constitution Center just released new games and podcasts. Organizations across the country are recognizing one critical truth: constitutional literacy isn't optional anymore. It's essential. But here's what's missing from most of these initiatives: they start too late.

LESSON OVERVIEW Grade: 8th Grade Civics Time: 50–60 minutes Materials: Pocket Constitution, student handout, whiteboard/projector ESSENTIAL QUESTION "Why does a document written 235 years ago still matter to every American alive today?" LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain why 2026 is historically significant for the United States 2. Identify at least three key principles of the U.S. Constitution 3. Connect the Constitution's founding ideals to modern American life 4. Art

We have less than four months. That's how much time remains before November 5, 2026 — the final major civic milestone of America's 250th anniversary year. And in these last critical months, the question isn't just about celebrating our founding. It's about whether we can restore genuine civic engagement and constitutional literacy to American life. The numbers are sobering. Pew Research Center data shows declining trust in government among young people, with many disconnected

Constitution Day is September 17th. If you're a middle school teacher — especially an 8th-grade civics or U.S. history teacher — this is your moment. And the good news: you don't have to build everything from scratch. Here's a curated list of the best free civics resources available right now.