Proclamation 9497-Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2016
Issued 2016-09-16 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation in September 2016 to designate September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and the week of September 17-23 as Constitution Week. This is a ceremonial observance that draws public attention to the U.S. Constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787. The proclamation also recognizes Americans who become naturalized citizens and highlights the responsibilities of citizenship.
This action affects all Americans by encouraging them to reflect on the Constitution and their civic duties. It particularly honors new citizens who take the oath of citizenship each year. The proclamation mentions the White House Task Force on New Americans, which works to help immigrants and refugees integrate into their communities.
This is a purely ceremonial declaration that does not create any new laws or impose legal requirements on anyone. Congress authorized this annual observance through joint resolutions in 1952 and 1956, and presidents have been issuing these proclamations regularly since then as part of the long tradition of presidential ceremonial proclamations dating back to George Washington.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9497-Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to constitution. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9497—Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2016 September 16, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Tasked with the awesome responsibility of building a Government to endure for generations to come, a band of dedicated patriots gathered in Philadelphia in 1787, seeking to build a more stable and permanent framework for a nascent democracy. Passionate debates and intense negotiation gave way to lasting compromise, and a document emerged that became the bedrock of America. Signed on September 17, the Constitution of the United States has steered our country through ever-changing times. It guides us as leaders on the world stage and safeguards the fundamental rights of our citizens. And it guarantees that the greatness of our Nation never depends on any one person—it requires the full and active participation of an engaged and vibrant citizenry. The vision of self-government laid out in our Constitution is dependent on Americans doing the hard and sometimes frustrating—yet always essential—work of citizenship. Being a citizen is a responsibility that challenges each of us to stay informed, to speak out when something is not right or not just,