With the first-ever Constitution Day being held Saturday, students and bystanders on campus shared their opinions on – and knowledge of – the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution Day exists because of a federal statute signed into law last December by President Bush. The day is required to be celebrated by all federally funded institutions, according to www.constitutionday.com. Saturday was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

Q: What are your reactions to Iowa State celebrating Constitution Day tomorrow?

“I honestly have no idea what Constitution Day is.” – Paul Armenakis, sophomore in pre-computer science

“I support the Constitution!” – Jon Shelness, Ames mayoral candidate

“I knew it was happening; it’s to inform people about the Constitution.” – Tamim Mahayni, senior in biology

“I heard about it in class. Public school teachers have to teach about the Constitution in their classes.” – Jason Crabtree, freshman in animal science

“I haven’t heard anything about it.” – Andrew Spinsby, freshman in physics

Q: Can you name a constitutional amendment?

“Right to bear arms” – Armenakis

“Freedom of speech” – Audra Cowles, freshman in history

“Freedom of press” – Brittany Robe, preparation for human medicine

“The Second Amendment – the right to bear arms” – Jared Flater, sophomore in engineering

“Freedom of religion” – Mahayni

“Freedom of speech” – Crabtree

“Gun control and the right to bear weapons” – Nicole Bell, sophomore in construction engineering

“Freedom of press” – Samantha Ulrich, freshman in engineering

Q: How many amendments are there? (27)

“14” – Shelness

“23” – Spinsby

“26” – Bell

Q: Can you name one person who signed the Constitution?

“Ben Franklin” – Robe

“Thomas Jefferson” – Flater

“Everyone knows it was Herbie Hancock! The only reason I know that is from ‘Tommy Boy'” – Mahayni

“Thomas Jefferson” – Crabtree

“Hancock” – Bell

Q: When was the Constitution drafted? (1787)

“July 4, 1772” – Cowles

“1787” – Shelness

“1979” – Robe

“1776” – Mahayni

“1870” – Spinsby

“1778” – Bell

Q: Who is generally known as the “Father of the Constitution”? (James Madison)

“Ben Franklin and George Washington” – Shelness

“Ben Franklin” – Robe

“Thomas Jefferson” – Flater

“Thomas Jefferson” – Mahayni

“No idea” – Spinsby

Q: Where is the U.S. Constitution located? (National Archives, Washington, D.C.)

“Washington, D.C.” – Mindy Haverhals, freshman in pre-business

“D.C.” – Mahayni

“Smithsonian” – Spinsby

Q: Most important amendment?

“Freedom of religion” – Ulrich

“Freedom of speech” – Bell

Constitution fast facts

– The Constitution was written in what is now called Independence Hall, the same building in Pennsylvania where the Declaration of Independence was signed and George Washington received his commission as commander of the Continental Army.

– Although written and signed Sept. 17, 1787, it was not ratified until 1788.

– The first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights, were added after several of the original framers expressed concern over the lack of protection for individual rights.

– Only 39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional convention signed the document; three dissented. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were out of the country and also did not sign the document.

– Although more than 11,000 Constitutional amendments have been introduced in congress over the years, only 33 went to the states to be ratified, and only 27 were approved.

– The Constitution was written in a closed session with sentries posted at the doors of the building the convention was taking place in.

– Compiled by Eric Lund from Constitutioncenter.org