On September 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention held their final meeting. Only one item of business occupied the agenda that day: to sign the Constitution of the United States of America.

For almost four months, the delegates had met daily to revise the Articles of Confederation. By mid June it became apparent that would not be sufficient. They decided instead to write an entirely new document -- one that would clearly define the separtion of powers, powers of the states, the rights of the people and how our representatives would be elected.

And while some still argue today about the details of its meaning, there is no question that the Constitution signed by 39 brave individuals in Philadelphia on September 17 changed the course of history.

Americans have a strong belief in and commitment to liberty, freedom and democracy. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee these freedoms, and they must never be taken for granted.

First Freedom First is dedicated to safeguarding separation of church and state and to protecting religious liberty. Our first freedom!

It has been said that in just four hand-written pages the Constitution has given us no less than the owner’s manual to the greatest form of government the world has ever known. No one can be voted off the island! As long as the Constitution stands, we will continue to be the land of the free.

Beth Corbin
First Freedom First - Project Director-AU