CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

98

Introduced by Senator Seyarto

August 3, 2026

Relative to Constitution Week.

WHEREAS, September 17, 2026, marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention of 1787, establishing the framework of the American system of government and securing the blessings of liberty for future generations; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States remains one of the most enduring governing charters in human history, providing a resilient structure of representative government, separation of powers, federalism, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties through the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, The framers of the Constitution gathered in Philadelphia following the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and engaged in vigorous debate, compromise, and civil discourse to establish a stronger and more unified nation while preserving the liberties of the people; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution was drafted in Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where General George Washington received his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army; and

WHEREAS, The framers demonstrated wisdom and humility by providing a constitutional amendment process through which future generations could continue striving toward a more perfect union; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have strengthened the promises of liberty and equality through constitutional amendments and the efforts of abolitionists, suffragists, civil rights leaders, and countless citizens committed to justice under law; and

WHEREAS, The continued strength of the American constitutional system depends upon civic participation, informed citizenship, and a commitment to preserving the freedoms and responsibilities secured by the Constitution; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution has guided the nation through times of war, economic hardship, social change, and political disagreement, while preserving the peaceful transfer of power and the enduring stability of republican government; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, along with generations of public servants and citizens, have defended and preserved the constitutional liberties and democratic institutions secured by the Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution guarantees to every state a republican form of government that is grounded in the consent of the governed and accountable to the people; and

WHEREAS, An informed and engaged citizenry is essential to preserving constitutional government, protecting individual rights, and maintaining the institutions of a free society; and

WHEREAS, Congress, by joint resolution approved on February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. Sec. 106), designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and by joint resolution approved on August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. Sec. 108), requested the President to proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 each year as Constitution Week; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate hereby recognizes the week of September 17, 2026, to September 23, 2026, inclusive, as Constitution Week; and be it further

Resolved, That Californians are encouraged to commemorate Constitution Week by reading and studying the Constitution of the United States, reflecting upon the liberties and responsibilities of citizenship, engaging in respectful civic discourse, and participating actively in their communities and democratic institutions; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate of the State of California recognizes the enduring significance of the Constitution in safeguarding liberty, preserving democratic self-government, protecting the rule of law, and securing justice for all Americans; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.