The day after the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, when the Constitution was signed by 39 delegates, founder Ben Franklin was reportedly asked by Elizabeth Willing Powel, “Do we have a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

Thus began the difficult process of building a new form of government—one which was foreign even to its builders, as the signers of that new Constitution had only known governments led by kings and queens. Of course, as the product of human hands, the new Constitution was a flawed document, the result of the delegates many debates and compromises, but its ratification changed this country and the world. Today, we’re hearing much debate about our current government being “fragile.” We’ve heard this before: during the Civil War; during the Great Depression; during two World Wars; during the Civil Rights movement; in the aftermath of the assassinations of our leaders.

Yet, here we are, still working toward a more perfect union. We believe our form of government should be recognized and celebrated. Constitution Day, held every year on September 17, is designated by the federal government to recognize the adoption of the United States Constitution and to celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. 

Civics education and awareness has waned in recent decades – we believe as part of our mission we need to engage people about what the Constitution says and how our branches of government fit into the mission of that document. We’re inspired by the example of U.S. Supreme Court Justice O’Connor, who founded iCivics and championed civics engagement throughout her life.

Last May, our Judicial Council of Georgia hosted a Law Day Art Contest with the theme being Voices of Democracy. We received hundreds of submissions of uplifting and beautiful art from our young Georgia students. 

On September 16, 2024, we are going to celebrate Constitution Day at the Supreme Court of Georgia with a live-streamed moderated discussion between ourselves and Georgia State University Constitutional Law Professor Anthony Michael Kreis. We have also invited the Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy Public Management and Administration Pathway students whose teacher last year received the Georgia Civic Educator Award given by the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement. 

It is up to all of us to be lifelong educators and learners so we can continue to keep and perfect our Republic. Please join our discussion on the Judicial Council YouTube Channel at 11 a.m. on September 16. https://www.youtube.com/@JudicialCouncilofGeorgia 

For more information write civics@georgiacourts.gov.