The U.S. Constitution was written in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1787 and ratified in 1788. It established the framework for the American federal government and guaranteed certain fundamental rights, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights added in 1791. Of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed the document.

1. 10 Fast Facts on the Constitution

2. The U.S. Constitution was written in the same Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. Now called Independence Hall, the building still stands today on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, directly across from the National Constitution Center. Fact #1

3. Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17th. But it wasn't until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states. Fact #2

4. The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries. Fact #3

5. Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were very troubled that the original Constitution lacked a description of individual rights. In 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first ten amendments became known as The Bill of Rights Fact #4

6. Of the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, 39 signed and 3 delegates dissented. Two of America's "founding fathers" didn't sign the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was representing his country in France and John Adams was doing the same in Great Britain. Fact #5

7. Established on November 26, 1789, the first national "Thanksgiving Day" was originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution. Fact #6

8. Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest. Fact #7

9. At 81, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention and at 26, Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the youngest. Fact #8

10. The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping. Fact #9

11. More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty three have gone to the states to be ratified and twenty seven have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the Constitution. Fact #10

12. Take out writing white boards… Quiz time!! 

13. Question #1 What is today’s name for the building where the U.S. Constitution was originally written? A. Smithsonian B. White House C. Independence Hall D. Supreme Court

14. Question #2 In what year was the constitution written? A. 1787 B. 1776 C. 1492 D. 1812

15. Question #3 Who was on guard while the U.S. Constitution was being written? A. Ninjas B. Secret Service C. Marines D. Sentries

16. Question #4 What is the name of the first ten amendments? A. Miranda Rights B. Bill of Rights C. Right of Way D. Right Stuff

17. Question #5 Two “founding fathers” did not sign the constitution, they are… A. Jefferson and Adams B. Bert and Ernie C. Baskin and Robin D. Washington and Lincoln

18. Question #6 What was created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution? A. Memorial Day B. Labor Day C. Arbor Day D. Thanksgiving Day

19. Question #7 Out of the constitutions in the world, the U.S. Constitution is the… A. funniest and coolest B. meanest and scariest C. longest and boringest D. oldest and shortest

20. Question #8 ________________ was the oldest delegate and Jonathon Dayton was the youngest. A. Abraham Lincoln B. Benjamin Franklin C. Christopher Columbus D. Davy Crocket

21. Question #9 What city in our country has the U.S. Constitution? A. New York B. Los Angeles C. Washington D.C. D. Chicago

22. Question #10 How many amendments have been ratified (made into law)? A. 10 B. 33 C. 87 D. 29

23. Time to check those ANSWERS…

24. Answer #1 What is today’s name for the building where the U.S. Constitution was originally written? A. Smithsonian B. White House C. Independence Hall D. Supreme Court

25. Answer #2 In what year was the constitution written? A. 1787 B. 1776 C. 1492 D. 1812

26. Answer #3 Who was on guard while the U.S. Constitution was being written? A. Ninjas B. Secret Service C. Marines D. Sentries

27. Answer #4 What is the name of the first ten amendments? A. Miranda Rights B. Bill of Rights C. Right of Way D. Right Stuff

28. Answer #5 Two “founding fathers” did not sign the constitution, they are… A. Jefferson and Adams B. Bert and Ernie C. Baskin and Robin D. Washington and Lincoln

29. Answer #6 What was created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution? A. Memorial Day B. Labor Day C. Arbor Day D. Thanksgiving Day

30. Answer #7 Out of the constitutions in the world, the U.S. Constitution is the… A. funniest and coolest B. meanest and scariest C. longest and boringest D. oldest and shortest

31. Answer #8 ________________ was the oldest delegate and Jonathon Dayton was the youngest. A. Abraham Lincoln B. Benjamin Franklin C. Christopher Columbus D. Davy Crocket

32. Answer #9 What city in our country has the U.S. Constitution? A. New York B. Los Angeles C. Washington D.C. D. Chicago

33. Answer #10 How many amendments have been ratified (made into law)? A. 10 B. 33 C. 87 D. 29