The Constitution of the United States of America was signed on September 17, 1787. September 17th now is a national holiday known as Constitution Day after the passage of a Senate Resolution introduced by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Senator Byrd’s idea was that every college and university in the country receiving federal funds should provide some instruction for their students on the United States Constitution each year on September 17th.

This year we’re emphasizing the first ten Amendments to the Constitution. We’re having them read individually by students here at the University of South Carolina. Then each of the students and I will engage in a very brief discussion about the Amendment in order to encourage further study and examination of this part of the Constitution.