Legislative wording from the Federal Mandate

 Why did Congress pass this mandate?

“A recent poll of Americans revealed that less than 25 percent could name one First Amendment freedom, according to information from Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. Another poll found that 59 percent of teenagers know the names of the Three Stooges, but only 41 percent know the three branches of government. Perhaps that’s why the U.S. Congress created Constitution Day.

Last summer (2004), Congress passed a law requiring educational institutions that receive federal funds to hold an informational program regarding the U.S. Constitution. Congress directed that the program take place on Sept. 17 of each year. That date was chosen to commemorate the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution.” http://doe.sd.gov/educationonline/2005/june/printable.asp